Maria Guerriero

Maria (Maietta) Guerriero, age 98 of Elmwood Park, New Jersey, passed away peacefully in her home on November 19th, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Avella, Italy, Maria was the eldest of nine children. She spent her early years working on her family's farm and being a second mother to her eight younger siblings. She married her husband, Aniello, also from Avella, in 1953 and was married 65 years before his passing in 2017.

In 1966 Maria and Aniello immigrated to the United States carrying with them the hopes of creating a better future for their three young children. With hard work, determination and many sacrifices, they did just that. Until she retired, Maria worked in food service and still never missed having a home-cooked meal waiting for her family every night.

Maria will be remembered for her hard work, resilience and dedication to her family and friends. Among the many fond memories we will cherish were the weekly Sunday meals. Nonna's homemade sauce and meatballs were the best according to her grandchildren. She built lasting family bonds and left a legacy for future generations.

Maria was preceded in death by her parents, Michele and Andreana; her brothers Saverio and Pasquale, and sisters Francesa and Filomena. She is survived by her devoted children - Fiorvante "Frank" (MaryAnne), Filomena (Ray) Gogel and Michael (Marianne); her four loving grandchildren, Aniello (Elizabeth), Marianne, Neil and Steven and her cherished great-grandson, Sebastian. She is also survived by several siblings, Antonio, Michele, Carmela and Lucia and too many to name (but all loved) nieces and nephews in the USA and Italy.

Visitation Monday, November 24th, Patrick J. Conte Funeral Home 274 Market St. Elmwood Park, NJ 4:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Funeral Mass Tuesday November 25th, St. Leo's R.C. Church 342 Market Street Elmwood Park, NJ 9:30 a.m. Entombment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover, NJ