Priscilla Velasquez Christiano

Priscilla Velasquez Christiano, age 43, passed away following a brief illness, in Miami Beach, Florida, on September 26, 2024. Born on November 24, 1980, in Far Rockaway, Queens, NY, Priscilla grew up near the beach she loved.
A private memorial service was held at Laurel Funeral Home in Hazlet, NJ, on October 4, 2024. She was laid to rest beside her sister, Natividad, in Fairview Cemetery, Middletown, NJ.
Priscilla is survived by her devoted parents, Olga and Walter Velasquez; her beloved husband, Dr. Arthur P. Christiano; stepsons Roger and Louis Christiano; her cherished French Bulldog, Rosie; and a wide circle of family and friends who will forever hold her in their hearts.
She is also survived by her godparents, Anna and Nestor Santiago, and their daughter, Christina. Her aunts and uncles include Mary and Raul Velasquez, Mr. and Mrs. Jose Luis Velasquez, Milagros and Domingo Buster, Gladys Galarza, and Nila Cuma. Priscilla also leaves behind numerous cousins: Mary and Domingo Buster, Clint Buster, Christina and Steven Greene, Andrea Buster, Natalie Rendon, Adrian Algarin, Erin and Frank Bahamonde, Miguel and Robert Galarza, Monica and Samuel Cuma, and Aledia and Axel Cuma.
Additionally, Priscilla is survived by her in-laws, Julie and Dr. Arthur A. Christiano, Diana and Joseph J. Scerbo, Patrick A. Christiano, Gina and Dr. Thomas R. Christiano. She leaves behind nephews Joseph T. Scerbo, Thomas R. Christiano II, and Luke J. Christiano, as well as niece Juliana F. Scerbo.
Priscilla also leaves behind Mr. Angel Joel Mojica from Asbury Park, the Cruz family of Fort Meyers, Florida, and Rachel Kilpatrick, R.N., along with the rest of the staff at Riverview Medical Center.
Priscilla was preceded in death by her sister, Natividad Velasquez; her grandparents, Natividad "Mama Naty" Hernandez De Velasquez, Jose Luis Velasquez Castellanos, Rosa and Andres Hernandez; her aunt, Rosa De Los Santos; her uncle, Julio Cesar Velasquez; and her beloved French Bulldog, Swayze.
Priscilla attended Beers Street Elementary School and graduated from Raritan High School in 1999. She earned her L.P.N. from Monmouth County Vocational School in 2000 and went on to obtain her Associate's Degree in Nursing from Brookdale Community College in 2007.
Priscilla's journey in healthcare began in high school as a candy striper. Her passion for the field was first ignited while working at Women Caring for Women in Tinton Falls, NJ., alongside her sister Natividad.
From 1999 to 2006, Priscilla served as a Licensed Practical Nurse at the Medical Health Center in Middletown, NJ, where she was encouraged to further her nursing education.
After earning her R.N., she joined Riverview Medical Center in 2006, dedicating most of her career to 5 West, the Orthopedic Center of Excellence, until 2021.
She briefly worked as a Nursing Care Manager for Horizon Healthcare Staffing in Manalapan, NJ, but soon realized her true calling was in direct patient care. This led her to Penn Medicine Home Health Care in Princeton, NJ, and the surrounding areas.
Most recently, Priscilla returned home to Riverview Medical Center, contributing her skills to Preoperative Nursing. She was honored with a One Team for Safety / Good Catch Award in June of this year, a testament to her dedication and excellence in patient care.
In addition to her deep love for family and her caring nature, Priscilla had a lifelong passion for beaches and traveling to Guatemala.
Inspired by her grandmother's sense of community and love for local markets, Priscilla launched her passion project, Mayan Wave. Her mission was to source beautifully handcrafted woven materials and bags from Guatemala, supporting the talented women artisans who created them. With her mom by her side, they became beloved fixtures at Babes in Business events and various local bazaars, pop-ups, festivals, and markets throughout Asbury Park and the greater Jersey Shore area.
Priscilla also cherished collecting sea glass from Sandy Hook to Cape May with her husband during their long beach walks with Rosie. What began as a meditative hobby soon blossomed into a deeper interest, leading her to read books, attend lectures, and even travel to international festivals dedicated to these coastal treasures.
Her life was a testament to the love and bonds she nurtured, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
In place of flowers or gifts, Priscilla's family kindly requests that memorial donations be made in her name to support the nursing staff at Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank, NJ.
Donations can be made online at:
giveHMH.org/Riverview
Donations can be mailed to:
Riverview Medical Center Foundation
1 Riverview Plaza
Red Bank, NJ 07701