Jean Noto Asti

It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jean Noto Asti, 95, of Rockaway Township, New Jersey. She passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at her daughter's home in Sparta, New Jersey, with her family by her side.
Born in Belleville, New Jersey, to the late Vincenzo and Maria Lipari Noto, Jean was a longtime resident of Rockaway Township. A one-time resident of White Meadow Lake, she moved to the center of Rockaway to live with her family and her sister. Jean dedicated her career to education as a business teacher in the Morris Hills Regional School District in Denville, New Jersey. She earned not only her BA in Education, but her Masters +30 as well. Her caring and patient personality allowed her amazing teaching skills to shine through; she was certainly well respected by her colleagues and students. She taught subjects such as typing - which became keyboarding, business math, and record keeping, but her favorite subject was shorthand. Ever see someone do shorthand in a speed that can win awards? She was accurate and fast. Jean accompanied her students to competitions, so proud of their accomplishments. She retired right before her daughter was wed, and enjoyed every minute of helping to plan that family event.
Jean was proud of her heritage, and was thrilled when she visited Sicily and Italy to visit cousins. She joined Coro d'Italia, exuberant to wear a traditional costume that Vita sewed, and sing the songs that defined her family. She served as the group's Secretary for years, only recently relinquishing her position. When she could no longer perform, she attended the performances of the group to offer her support and friendship.
Jean's greatest joy was her family. She was the youngest of four siblings - Vita, Saverio and Anthony. They keenly felt Anthony's absence due to his death in WWII. She always spoke about Vita as her "beautiful sister," and of Saverio as her "handsome brother." As you can tell, this was a tight knit family who revered each other. She adored her children, John and Adrianne, and met the challenge of life when she had to be both a mother and a father. For years, we heard stories of how her and best friend, Kathy Eynard, were Den mothers for the Cub Scouts when John was young (sprinkles everywhere!). Above all, she loved being a Nonna, and cherished her two grandchildren, Gina and Vincenzo. They have been on the receiving end of many hand-knitted blankets, winter caps and mittens, home baked cookies, and little surprises throughout the year. There was never a day when she wasn't thinking of the family and what she could do for them.
Jean found happiness in life's simple pleasures-knitting and crocheting, cooking cherished family recipes, watching TCM movies, having friends/family over for meals and holidays, and shopping for those she loved. Her favorite stores were Bambergers - which became Macy's, TJ Maxx and JC Penney. Her kindness, generosity, and unwavering love left an indelible mark on everyone who knew her.
Jean was definitely a woman of deep faith, and was a very active and devoted parishioner at St. Cecilia Church in Rockaway. She cherished her involvement in church activities, including the St. Monica Guild, the Rosary Society, and Bible Study groups. She donated consistently to the church, and helped whenever she could. She loved to contribute flowers to the altar for holidays, including St. Joseph's, and for when she had masses dedicated to Vita and her family.
Jean was preceded in death by her cherished siblings, Vita, Saverio, and Anthony Noto, and her beloved son-in-law, Paul Fredrick LaPilusa. She is survived by her children, Adrianne Maria LaPilusa (Paul) and John Anthony Asti (Irene), as well as her cherished grandchildren, Gina Adrianna and Vincenzo Paolo LaPilusa.
Friends and family are invited to pay their respects during visitation on Sunday, December 29, 2024, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at Whitham-Kanapaux Funeral Home, 20 Keller Avenue, Rockaway, NJ. A funeral Mass to celebrate Jean's life will be held on Monday, December 30, 2024, at 10:00 AM at St. Cecilia Church, 70 Church Street, Rockaway, NJ, followed by entombment at Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Montclair, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Cecilia Church, 70 Church Street, Rockaway, NJ 07866.
For condolences and additional information, please visit RockawayFuneral.com.