Mariela C. Restivo

Mariela C. Restivo
October 23, 1954 - November 16, 2025
Mariela C. Restivo, 71, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, November 16, 2025. A resident of Ledgewood (Roxbury Township), she was a loving wife, mother, sister, daughter, and adoring nonna whose greatest joy was her family.
Born Maria Cristina Salerno in Caracas, Venezuela, Mariela was the eldest of three children to Rocco and Elvira Luisa (De Girolamo) Salerno. Her parents had emigrated from Frigento and Gesualdo (Provincia di Avellino, Campania), Italy to Venezuela in 1952. Mariela spent the first half of her childhood in the Santa Mónica neighborhood of Caracas before immigrating to the United States in July 1967. The family settled in Orange, New Jersey, which became her American hometown.
Mariela attended Our Lady of Mount Carmel School and graduated from Orange High School in 1973. She later attended Kean University before beginning her professional career and starting a family. Over the years, she lived in Livingston, and Hopatcong before moving to Ledgewood, where she had resided for more than 25 years.
Her professional journey included positions at Midlantic Bank in Short Hills; working alongside her parents in their family business, Novita Italiane, in Orange; and roles with several independent insurance brokers. She worked most recently in human resources and customer service at Novartis Pharmaceuticals in East Hanover for the last twenty-plus years.
A devout Roman Catholic, Mariela was a parishioner at Mount Carmel Church in Orange, and later at Saint Michael's Church in Netcong.
Affectionately known as "Marietta", "Mariè", and "Mare," Mariela was a warm, spirited presence. She was often found smiling, humming, or singing; and her bright, musical laugh could fill any room. When she was excited, her voice would rise above even the largest crowd -- a sound her family and friends will always remember.
After navigating all the adventures and "boyish escapades" that come with raising four sons, Mariela's greatest delight came with the arrival of her granddaughters. Being "Mammina" was special, but becoming "Nonna" to six little girls was the role she cherished most. She wore the title as a badge of honor and a hard-earned reward. Her love for her granddaughters went far beyond babysitting or birthday parties. She made it a point to know each of them as individuals yet took tremendous joy in having all "her girls" together for sleepovers. Her familiar phrases "I love you to the moon, and back," and "Nonna and Grandpa's house is where cousins become best friends" will live on in their hearts.
Mariela had a remarkable memory and loved to share stories. She would recount her childhood in South America, visits with family in Italy, her journey immigrating to America, and the many gatherings and events that shaped her family's life. She had a gift for recalling important dates and remembering extended family members, their relationships, and how each person fit into the larger family tree.
Holidays were when she shined brightest. She took great pleasure in decorating her home for every season, but Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's held a special place in her heart. Whether she was hosting and cooking or simply awaiting the knock at the door, she worked lovingly to maintain family traditions and make everyone feel welcome, especially her grandchildren. Even the ordinary moments together, were, for her, the truest measure of joy.
Mariela was deeply devoted to her parents, often accompanying them to medical appointments, shopping on their behalf, serving as interpreter when needed, or simply listening when they needed someone to talk to. She always felt that as they nurtured her, it was her commitment to do the same.
To those who knew her, she was more than her many roles: a cherished matriarch, loyal friend, supportive colleague, and trusted confidant. She lived a full and grateful life, thankful for her roots and faith, the life she built in America, and the family she so lovingly raised. Her warmth, stories, and unwavering love will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Mariela was predeceased by her father, Rocco Salerno; as well as her father-in-law, Joseph Restivo, and mother-in-law, Thelma Restivo.
Mariela is survived by her devoted husband of 37 years, Mark David Restivo; her four sons (Nicholas and his wife, Amanda; Rocco and his wife, Sarah; Mark and his wife, Roxann; and David); and her six granddaughters, Francesca, Avery, Loriana, Harper, Skylar, and Ilaria. She is also survived by her mother, Elvira Luisa Salerno; brother, Nicola Salerno, and his wife Lina; sister, Edda Ameo, and her husband, Frank; and sister-in-law, Carolyn Dougherty, and her partner, Gerry Clark. She also leaves behind many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.
In lieu of flowers, kindly consider at donation in her memory to St. Jude's Children Research Hospital, or the Grayson Murray Foundation to support individuals facing mental health and addiction challenges.
Visiting hours will take place Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Hancliffe Home for Funerals (located at 222 Ridgedale Avenue, East Hanover, New Jersey) from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
A memorial Mass will be held to celebrate her life on Monday, November 24, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church (located at 312 Ridgedale Avenue, East Hanover, New Jersey).
A repast to follow immediately after Mass for friends and family to laugh and reminisce together.