Catherine "Honey" Lombardi

Catherine "Honey" Lombardi, 95, of Freehold Township, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, she was the heart of her family and leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love, laughter, and warmth.

Born and raised in Jersey City, NJ, Catherine was the eldest of four children. While working at a bank in Hoboken, she met the love of her life, Joseph Lombardi. They married in 1960 and built a life centered on family in North Bergen, NJ, where they raised their four children: Paul, James, Richard, and Donata (Donna).

After moving to Freehold in 1996, her family grew to include four cherished grandchildren, who became the light of her life. She delighted in having them over to swim, play cards, and take walks around the block. She was happiest when they were all together.

Catherine created many treasured memories with her family at their summer home in Seaside Park, where countless gatherings were filled with joy and togetherness. She was a great cook and baker, and all holidays and family celebrations revolved around her famous recipes. She had a sweet tooth and a particular fondness for tiramisu, but her children's birthdays were never complete without her renowned coffee cake.

A woman of many passions, Catherine had a talent for dancing and loved to watch dance competitions like Dancing with the Stars and Stars on Ice. A dedicated Yankees fan, she cheered for her team whether they won or lost. An avid bowler in her day, she proudly displayed her trophy for bowling a perfect 300 game. She also stayed active on her stationary bike, often chatting on the phone for hours with relatives and friends who were unaware she was pedaling away.

Catherine was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph Lombardi; her brother Russell Casella and sister-in-law Marie of Brick, NJ; and her sister Frances Casella of Whiting, NJ. She is survived by her devoted children: Paul Lombardi of Freehold, NJ; James Lombardi and his wife, Carol, of Marlboro, NJ; Richard Lombardi and his wife, Janet, of Freehold, NJ; and Donata (Donna) Lombardi of Freehold, NJ. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Jeannette, Joseph, James, and Gianna Lombardi; her sister, Sandie Lee and brother-in-law Wayne of Toms River, NJ; her cousin Anna; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Sunday, September 14th, from 1:00pm to 5:00 p.m. at Freeman Manalapan–Marlboro Funeral Home, 344 Route 9 North, Manalapan, NJ 07726. A Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated on Monday, September 15th, at 11:00a.m. at St. Gabriel's MAIN Church, 549 County Road 520 Marlboro, NJ 07746, followed by entombment at St. Gabriel's Mausoleum.

For directions or to share condolences online, please visit www.freemanfuneralhomes.com.