Beatrice Esposito

Beatrice ("Bea") Esposito, a beacon of love and tradition, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2024, at her home in Old Bridge, NJ. Born on November 24, 1934, in Brooklyn, NY, Beatrice lived a life marked by devotion to her loved ones and her faith.
Beatrice's years in Canarsie, Brooklyn were filled with the warmth of a close-knit family and the bustling energy of the neighborhood. It was there that she met the love of her life, Joseph L. Esposito, at a dance at Sunnyside Gardens in Queens, and the two were soon wed on a beautiful autumn day, October 30, 1954. Beatrice's marriage to Joseph was a testament of true love and partnership. Together, they navigated life's challenges and celebrated its joys always side by side.
With the addition of their three children, Louis, Phyllis, and Joseph, the Esposito family grew, and Bea embraced motherhood with a passion. Her love for her family was immeasurable. She leaves behind a legacy of love, tradition, and faith that will continue to inspire for generations to come.
Bea's home was a reflection of her values, always welcoming and filled with the aroma of her delicious cooking, most notably her legendary Sunday sauce with meatballs, pork ribs, braciole, sweet sausages, and 1 hot sausage - a testament to her belief that cooking was not just about nourishment, but also an expression of love.
The Catskills held a special place in Bea's heart, and summer family vacations at Maple Villa and Makowsky's Cottage Colony were cherished traditions. For 25 years, she and Joe's winters were joyfully spent in Fort Myers, Florida, where they enjoyed the warmth and sunshine, a respite from the cold New Jersey winters.
In 1993, Bea and Joe relocated to Old Bridge, NJ, where they spent their remaining years.
Throughout her life, Bea held various jobs which she took pride in, assisting in a podiatrist's office, working for the Board of Education, in retail stores, and at the Board of Elections. However, she always considered her role as a wife and mother to be her true calling and the most rewarding work of all.
Bea's devout faith was a cornerstone of her existence. A long-time parishioner of Most Holy Redeemer Church, she lived her beliefs through acts of kindness and unwavering trust in her religion. Her spirituality was a source of strength and comfort, not only to her, but to all who were blessed to know her.
Bea loved her life and lived it to the fullest. She enjoyed the music of Engelbert Humperdinck, Frank Sinatra, and Tony Bennett, seeing all of them in concert with Joe early in their careers. A fan of game shows, Bea could often be found with a smile on her face, watching her favorite, Match Game. Bea's laughter and positive outlook on life were contagious, making even the simplest moments with her cherished memories.
Bea was always happy and content, having spent her years doing what she loved, being with family and around those she cherished. In her later years, she greatly enjoyed spending time with her beloved Silky Terrier, Cody, who was a constant source of joy and companionship.
She is survived by her son Louis Esposito and his wife Bernadette, her daughter Phyllis Rogers and her husband Chris, and her son Joseph Esposito. Beatrice's legacy continues on through her adoring grandchildren who were the light of her life, Christina Esposito, Michael Rogers, and Dana Rogers, and her dear great-granddaughter Tamra, whom she loved with all her heart.
Beatrice was predeceased by her beloved husband, Joseph L. Esposito. Their union was one of joy and mutual respect, lasting 62 cherished years until Joseph's passing in April of 2017; her father, Vito Cipolla, who she loved dearly, her mother, Filippa ("Fanny") Spatafora, and her sisters Bessie, Anna, & Rosie. Her spirit, a blend of strength, compassion, and unwavering love will be carried forward by those who knew her.
As we bid farewell to Beatrice, we celebrate a life lived to the fullest, a life filled with love, faith, and the joy of family. Her memory (and her recipes!) will be cherished and kept alive in the hearts of all who loved her.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 20, 2024 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm and 7:00pm to 9:00pm at Old Bridge Funeral Home, 2350 Rt 516, Old Bridge, NJ 08857.
A funeral mass will be held on Monday, October 21, 2024 beginning at 11:00am at Most Holy Redeemer Roman Catholic Church, 133 Amboy Road, Matawan, NJ 07747.
Entombment will follow at Marlboro Memorial Cemetery, 361 Rt 79, Morganville, NJ 07751.