Ethel N. Piancone

Ethel N. Piancone ObituaryEthel N. Piancone, 84, of Ocean Township, passed away on Sunday, February 23, 2025 surrounded by her loving family.
Ethel was born in Neptune and lived much of her life in Neptune and Interlaken before moving to Cedar Village in Ocean Township. She was a proud and active member of her community, and anyone who had the privilege of knowing her knows just how much she loved to be surrounded by her family and friends. Ethel wasn't just a mother-she was a mother to all, opening her heart and her home to everyone, no matter who they were or where they came from. She had a rare gift for making people feel like they belonged, and no one ever left her house hungry or without a smile on their face.
Her love of cooking and baking was legendary, and many of us remember those Sunday afternoons, known fondly as "pasta club," when Ethel would gather her loved ones together for a meal. It didn't matter if you were an old friend or someone new to the family-everyone was welcome, and no one ever left hungry. The warmth in her home was not just in the food she served, but in the love that filled the room. She was also the family birthday cake designer, making intricately beautiful and equally delicious cakes for all of her grandchildren.
Ethel was also incredibly strong, and that strength was felt in everything she did. Along with her husband, John, and their children, Ethel worked tirelessly to build a successful family business-J Piancone's Italian Specialty Shop Bakery and Restaurant in Bradley Beach. She dedicated herself to her family and to the work that brought them all together. A big thanks to Ethel's friendly personality, customers quickly became regulars to fast friends. Her work ethic was unmatched, and she instilled those same values of hard work, dedication, and love in her children and grandchildren.
Family was everything to Ethel, and she not only cherished her immediate family but also held dear her close ties to her and John's family in Italy. She kept those traditions alive, always making sure to stay connected with relatives in Italy and passing down memories, customs and recipes that her family will carry with them forever.
The simplest of life's pleasures brought the most joy to Ethel. A great cup of coffee. An Italian dessert. A great hot dog. Spoiling her grandchildren. Cooking and spending time with loved ones.
Ethel was also a dedicated caregiver. For many years, she lovingly cared for her husband, John, in ways that showed her deep devotion and selflessness. She gave so much of herself to those she loved, without ever asking for anything in return. She cared for countless friends and animals over the years - her home was always open and a safe haven for all.
Outside of her family, Ethel was a true social butterfly. She was always at the heart of gatherings, from dinner parties to card games. She had a gift for planning and making every occasion feel special. Her presence in Cedar Village was well known-she was active in her community and brought people together in ways that few could. Ethel was also a dedicated communicant of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Church in Asbury Park.
Above all, Ethel was a positive force in the lives of those who knew her. She never spoke ill of anyone, always looking for the good in people and offering a kind word to anyone in need. She had an optimism and hope that was contagious, and even in the toughest of times, Ethel was the person you turned to for strength and encouragement.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband, John; her son, Charles "Chip" Piancone; her sister, Betty Poland; and her brother, William Hutchinson.
Ethel is survived by her children: John "Rick" Piancone and his wife Cindy; Donna Piancone-Connor and her husband Joseph; and Anna Cooper and her husband Joseph; along with her daughter-in-law, Janette Piancone. She is also survived by her brothers, John Hutchinson and Michael Hutchinson; eight cherished grandchildren, Francesca Crowley (and her husband Sean), Charles Piancone (and his wife Erica), Jake Connor (and his wife Lily), AJ Piancone, Gabriella Connor, Julia Piancone, Jane Cooper, and Joseph Cooper; and two great-grandchildren, Ryan Michelle Crowley and Theodore Connor.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 pm on Thursday at the Fiore-Buckley Funeral Home, 236 Monmouth Road, Oakhurst, Ocean Township. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 am on Friday at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Asbury Park. Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Neptune. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fulfill Food Bank or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. For condolences, please visit www.fiorefuneralhomes.com.
Ethel's passing leaves a hole in our hearts, but we take comfort in knowing that her love and her spirit live on in all of us. She was a mother, a grandmother, a friend, and a mentor, and her impact on this world will never be forgotten. Her legacy lives on through her children, her grandchildren, her great-grandchildren, and all those whose lives she touched.
Ethel N. Piancone, 84, of Ocean Township, passed away on Sunday, February 23, 2025 surrounded by her loving family.
Ethel was born in Neptune and lived much of her life in Neptune and Interlaken before moving to Cedar Village in Ocean Township. She was a proud and active member of her community, and anyone who had the privilege