Nettie Rivela

Nettie (Gaetana) Rivela, a cherished matriarch and long-time resident of Keansburg, passed away peacefully at 94 years of age on December 6, 2025. Born on May 29, 1931, in the heart of Manhattan, NY, Nettie's life was a rich tapestry woven with love, dedication, and the joy of simple pleasures.

Growing up in Little Italy in Manhattan, Nettie had a joyful childhood, surrounded by family and friends. She was a beacon of light to her parents, Michael and Grace Grieco, who predeceased her. She carried that light throughout her life, brightening the lives of all she encountered. After spending many summers and weekends in Keansburg, Nettie, alongside her beloved husband, Joseph Rivela, who sadly preceded her in death, eventually moved to Keansburg full-time, where she would make a lifetime of memories and build a legacy of love.

Nettie was devoted to her family, and loved nothing more than spending time with them. Her beloved sister, Grace Milito, and beloved brother, Anthony Grieco, predeceased her, leaving behind fond memories of times shared. Nettie and Gracie were born a year apart and were inseparable throughout their entire lives. Brother Anthony was born when Nettie and Gracie were teenagers, and they adored and doted on him like a son.

Nettie's son, Paul, was the light of her life. Her devotion to Paul was unwavering; she poured her heart into nurturing, supporting, and celebrating him, always placing his happiness and well-being above all else. Nettie cherished her role as a mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, investing her time and love into every moment spent with her family.

Nettie had an immense zest for life. She could always be found laughing and joking around, no matter what the circumstances. Nettie was a brilliant woman of many talents. Nettie was a skilled seamstress with a remarkable attention to detail and a passion for her craft. She created beautiful pieces, often not following any set pattern and working from her eye alone. In addition to designing and creating beautiful and elaborate gowns, she also loved to create fun costumes for her many family members. Nettie could fix anything and always had a creative solution for anything that could possibly arise. She loved antiques and could spot a valuable piece from a mile away, often finding treasures at garage sales and second-hand stores. Nettie was a masterful cook. Her love for cooking was an extension of her love for family, often bringing everyone together over a delicious meal. She loved feeding her family and friends; if anyone entered her home, they were leaving it having been fed or with food to take home. She found joy in the excitement of Atlantic City, the anticipation of scratch-off tickets, and the company of friends. Nettie experienced enough laughter and good times with family and friends to last ten lifetimes.

Nettie's spirit lives on through her devoted and loving son, Paul Rivela, and her daughter-in-law, Maureen Rivela. She was a proud and doting grandmother to her granddaughters, Catherine Foss and Christine Rivela, and an adoring great grandmother to Tessa and Charlie. She was a devoted and beloved aunt to Sal and Libera Milito, Bernadette Milito, Kacey (predeceased), Michael, and Anthony Grieco, and cherished and loving sister-in-law to Gertrude Grieco. Her loss is deeply felt by her nieces, nephews, cousins, and a vast network of extended family and friends who were all touched by her warmth, generosity, and joyful spirit.

Nettie Rivela's story is one of unwavering love, enduring friendships, and the quiet strength that binds a family together. Her legacy is reflected in the lives she shaped and the hearts she touched. As we bid farewell to Nettie, we celebrate a life beautifully lived, a journey completed, and a soul that will forever remain a cherished memory in the hearts of those who loved her.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Nettie's life on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, from 3PM to 7PM at Jacqueline M. Ryan Home for Funerals Inc., 233 Carr Avenue, Keansburg, NJ. A Mass of Christian burial will be offered 10:15AM, Thursday, December 11, 2025, at St. Ann Church, 311 Carr Ave, Keansburg, NJ.