SANDY CIARLANTE

Sandy Ciarlante, was born April 14, 1952, in Pennsylvania. She entered eternal rest on December 31, 2025, surrounded by the love of her children and grandchildren in Sebastian, Florida.

Sandy was the daughter of Nicholas Starinieri and Norma Martino. She grew up in Somerdale, New Jersey, alongside her three siblings-Gilda, Norma, and Nick-where family, generosity, and love were the foundation of her life.

She graduated from Sterling High School, where she excelled in theater, swimming, and sewing. Even in her youth, Sandy was confident, spirited, and creative. Well ahead of her time, she daringly wore her own designed hot pants long before they became fashionable. At home, Sandy's nurturing heart was already evident; she naturally loved cooking, cleaning, and caring for her family.

Upon graduating from Sterling High School, Sandy traveled to Macchia d'Isernia, Italy, where she stayed with her beloved Zio Orsano. There, she formed lifelong friendships and met her future husband, Franco Ciarlante. Sandy was embraced wholeheartedly by the Ciarlante family and became "Zia Sandra" to the many nieces and nephews she cherished deeply.

After marrying, Sandy and Franco settled in Atco, New Jersey, where they raised their two adopted children, Sandy and Nicky-a decision she spoke of openly and lovingly. From the moment her two loving children entered her life, Sandy chose them fully and completely as her own, forming a bond that would continue for generations. This bond was a living testament that love knows no bounds and that family is created by the heart.

In Atco, Sandy built a legacy-one defined by a heart and hands of gold. A master seamstress, she was entrusted with some of life's most meaningful moments: weddings, proms, graduations, and celebrations. Beyond her extraordinary talent, it was her passion for perfection and her affection for her clients that made her unforgettable. For many families, Sandy was not only a seamstress, but a trusted confidante and friend. For over 55 years, she used her gift to make others feel beautiful, special, and confident for life's milestones.

Sandy's home in Atco was always welcoming. She was a loving "Aunt Sandy" to her nieces and nephews in America, opening her home for meals, swims, holidays, or simply refuge when life felt overwhelming. Her home was a place of unconditional love, acceptance, and endless humor.

To her siblings-Gilda, Norma, and Nick-Sandy was a warrior and a constant source of strength. Being their sister meant the world to her, and she carried that role with fierce devotion and pride.

Her most cherished title was Nonna. Sandy poured every ounce of her love into her granddaughters, Francesca and Maria Cristina Mastrando. She never missed a milestone-big or small-and shared with them a bond that was inseparable.

During her retirement, Sandy was lovingly cared for by her devoted son, Nicky. She also enjoyed visiting Sandy, Carmen, and her granddaughters in Florida, but above all else, she treasured having her family together.

She is preceded in death by her parents; Norma and Nick Starinieri, mother-in-law, Maria Ciarlante, and brother-in-laws Cristino Ciarlante, and Salvatore Ciarlante, and many uncles and aunts.

Sandy is survived by her loving children, Sandy (Carmen) Mastrando and Nick Ciarlante; her granddaughters, Francesca and Maria Cristina Mastrando, Franco Ciarlante; her siblings, Gilda (Gary) McMichen, Norma Yates, and Nick (Rene) Starinieri; Assunta Rizzi, Ada Ciarlante (Pietro), Anna Zamolo, Tony (Dora) Ciarlante, Michael (Diane) Ciarlante, and Cathy Ciarlante; her beloved nieces and nephews; her dear friend Michael Ptasinski; her Goomah, Lena Warner; and her sissy, Donna Brooks.

Sandy will be remembered for her unwavering love, her generosity, and the countless lives she touched with her hands and heart of gold.