Antoinette Louise "Toni" Berlingieri

Antoinette "Toni" L. Berlingieri, cherished wife, devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and cherished friend passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 11, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones. She was 75 years old.
Toni was a woman of kindness and unwavering strength. A woman of grace and gentle humor she had the remarkable ability to make those around her feel seen and loved. She devoted her life to her family and worked at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey for the past 30 years. She held the role of Assistant Director of Networking Sessions and Interviewing in the Office of Career Exploration & Success. During her legacy at Rutgers Toni not only advanced the careers of countless students, but became a mentor and confidante to colleagues, developing deep authentic connections that persisted through the workplace.
Prior to her employment with Rutgers Toni worked at Perth Amboy Town Hall, Woodlands & Spitzer, Two Guys, SamGoody MusicLand, Amerada Hess and waitressed part-time at Antonio's Pizza in Metuchen.
Toni was born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey on August 7, 1949. She was the second daughter to Anthony Szczerba and Helen Szczerba. She graduated from Perth Amboy High School in 1967 and then went to Nancy Taylor Secretarial School in South Plainfield NJ. She met her husband John in Two Guys Appliance Store in the auto department in 1969 and dated for 5 years and were married on September 28, 1974. They found a home in Edison, NJ in 1976 where they welcomed and settled in having two children Danielle (aka Silverstein) and John Jr.
Toni's greatest joy came from being "Nonna" to her 2 precious grandchildren; Giovanna and Gianluca. She never missed a dance competition/recital or soccer game/event. It was her passion to celebrate every milestone with them who brought her immeasurable pride and happiness.
Toni was preceded in death by her sister Louise Herber and her loving parents.
Toni is survived by her husband John, her 2 children Danielle along with her husband Mark Silverstein, John Jr. and his fiancé Melissa Scottodicarlo, and her grandchildren Giovanna and Gianluca. She is also survived by her brother and sister-in-laws Anthony Herber, Julia Buffolino, Nicolas and Maria Berlingieri, August and Catherine Berlingieri, and Antonio & Gisella Berlingieri.
Toni's memory will be of the stories we share, the traditions she passed down and the love she gave everyone so freely. We are better for having known her and will carry her in our hearts always and forever. She will be deeply missed and never forgotten.
Visiting hours will take place on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 between the hours of 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Flynn and Son/Mitruska Funeral Home, 23 Ford Ave., Fords, NJ 08863. Funeral Services will be begin the following morning, May 15, 2025 at the funeral home at 8:15 AM. A procession will follow over to St. Francis of Assisi RC Church, 32 Elm Ave., Metuchen NJ for a 9:00 AM Funeral Liturgy. Entombment will take place at Woodbridge Memorial Gardens after, located at 1098 Woodbridge Center Dr., Woodbridge, NJ 07095.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Toni's name may be made out to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.