Lillian Santopietro

Lillian Santopietro, 87, of Union Beach, passed away at home, surrounded by the love of her family on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. Lillian was born on November 10, 1937 to her loving parents, Ralph and Charlotte (McKenzie) Cappola. She was raised in Jersey City where she attended St. Aloysius Grammar and High School. While continuing to reside in Jersey City, she met the love of her life, Gabriel Santopietro Sr., and they were married in 1960. They began their family together and in 1977, they moved to Union Beach where they established their first home, a lifelong dream of theirs.
To all that knew her, Lillian was the most forgiving and loving person; life lessons she instilled in all of her loved ones. She had a love for fashion; especially hats, shoes and purses. She was a proud Italian-American who loved to dance, a big fan of Elvis Presley and loved the music of the 40's and 50's. Lillian loved to travel and cherished the memories she kept of all the destinations she's visited in her lifetime. She adored Snow White and felt a close kinship as both she and Snow White were introduced to the world in 1937.
Lillian was a communicant of Holy Family Roman Catholic Church where she proudly served as a Eucharist Minister for many years. She lovingly provided communion to parishioners who were homebound, including those that were in nursing homes and the hospital. She also volunteered for fourteen years for the St. Vincent DePaul Society. Lillian held multiple jobs mainly in the administrative assistant field. Although her most favorite job was being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she found a special calling in her employment as an Activities Coordinator at Regency Park Nursing Home, now known as Anchor Care, of Hazlet.
Lillian will be deeply missed by all that loved her. She was the matriarch of a very tight knit family and her family will forever cherish the memories, lessons, and moments filled with love and laughter. Lillian will be remembered as a hard working, strong willed, independent and selfless woman who is now finally able to dance with her husband once again.
She is predeceased by her parents, Ralph and Charlotte (McKenzie) Cappola, her brother, Ralph Cappola Jr, her beloved husband, Gabriel Santopietro Sr, her cherished son, Gabriel Santopietro Jr., and her grandson, Nicolas Demko. Lillian leaves behind her loving daughter and best friend, Connie Demko and her partner, Glenn Ferrara of Union Beach, her adoring grandchildren, Joseph Demko Jr. and his fiancé Joanna Quinn, Jillian Lepore and her husband Roberto, along with her late son's two children. Also surviving are her immensely cherished great grandchildren, Layla, Nicolas, and Francesca. Lillian also held a special place in her heart for Steven Jr, Danielle, Alyson, Patrick and their significant others. Lillian was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend. She will be greatly missed, always loved and never forgotten.
Family and friends are invited to visit on Tuesday, May 13th, 2025, from 3;00 PM to 7:00 PM and on Wednesday, May 14th, 2025, from 8:45 AM to 9:30 AM at Shore Point Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., 3269 State Highway/Route 35 North, Hazlet, New Jersey 07730. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, May 14th, 2025, at Holy Family Roman Catholic Church, Union Beach, New Jersey. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington, New Jersey 07031. For information, or to send condolences to the family, please visit, www.shorepointfh.com.
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