Julia Misurella

Julia Misurella (Thompson) ObituaryJulia Thompson Misurella of New Brunswick, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at home on October 18, 2025, at the age of 84. Born on February 28, 1941, she was the youngest of ten children born to Russel and Anna Thompson, all of whom predeceased her.
Julia grew up in South River, NJ, where she faced life with resilience, warmth, and grace. Though her early years were shaped by hardship-including separation from her birth family-she remained deeply connected to her beloved sister Myrtle. Despite the challenges surrounding their family, Myrtle stayed close with her baby sister, offering love, loyalty, and a lifelong bond that sustained her through every chapter.
After entering foster care, Julia was lovingly raised by Arthur and Elizabeth Reichenbach, who helped shape the compassionate and spirited woman she became. Julia's life was a testament to the power of gratitude and giving. Having been nurtured with love, she spent her life extending that same care to others-welcoming family and friends into her home, and selflessly tending to those in need. Her unwavering devotion to her foster mother and extended family, whom she cared for with tireless compassion until their final days, reflected the depth of her heart and the strength of her character. She was predeceased by her sister Jane Sujew and brother Art Reichenbach, and is survived by her sister Betty Lou Boring.
Julia married John Paul Zacharkan (now deceased), with whom she had five children: John (wife Connie), Ronald, Donald (deceased March 15, 2025), Tracy (husband John Nemeth), and Julie Schneider. She later remarried Adam Misurella, who also preceded her in death.
She was a proud grandmother to Kristen, John, Amanda, Rachel, Edward, Matthew, and Shyenne, and a devoted great-grandmother to Charlotte, Claire, Leilani, and Milo.
Julia dedicated her career to Ma Bell, later AT&T, where she worked faithfully for many years. She was an active member of her community, serving in the South River Women's Auxiliary Fire Department, leading Cub Scouts, representing Avon, and participating in the Metuchen Women's Club. She found joy in bowling at Edison and Carolier lanes and was an avid saltwater fisherman, embracing the peace and thrill of the ocean.
She adored her cats and cherished taking her grandchildren to seaside amusement parks, creating lasting memories filled with laughter, rides, and cotton candy.
Her legacy lives on in the love she gave, the lives she touched, and the memories cherished by her family and friends.
Funeral services will take place on Thursday, 9:15am from the Maliszewski Funeral Home, 218 Whitehead Ave, South River with a 10am Mass at Corpus Christi RC Church in South River. Entombment will follow at Holy Cross Burial Park and Mausoleum in East Brunswick.
Calling hours at the funeral home will be Wednesday from 4pm to 8pm. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Julia's name to www.donorbox.org/catsbury-park-2.
Complete funeral details, directions, or to leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.maliszewskifuneralhome.com.
Julia Thompson Misurella of New Brunswick, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at home on October 18, 2025, at the age of 84. Born on February 28, 1941, she was the youngest of ten children born to Russel and Anna Thompson, all of whom predeceased her.
Julia grew up in South River, NJ, where she faced life with resilience, warmth