Staci L. Speranza

Staci L. Speranza, 54, of Hawthorne, NJ, passed away peacefully on the morning of May 20, 2025, surrounded by the love of her devoted family and best friends, after a long, courageous health battle.
Born and raised in Hawthorne, New Jersey, Staci was the beloved wife of Joseph Speranza, and a fiercely dedicated mother to her three children-Allison, Jenna, and Justin. She is also survived by her loving brother, Peter Van Der Velde; her brother-in-law, Carmine Speranza; and her cherished nephew, Vincent. Staci was predeceased by her mother, Norbel W. Hopper, and her in-laws, Alfonso and Ann Speranza as well as her beloved nephew Nicholas Speranza.
Staci was a beacon of strength, compassion, and unwavering dedication to her family, her friends, and her community. She spent 14 months fighting her illness with extraordinary courage and grace-refusing to let the disease define her spirit or limit her commitment to those she loved. Even while dependent on supplemental oxygen, she continued working, never losing the spark that defined her passion and purpose.
A proud and devoted member of the Hawthorne Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, Staci served as President, Chairlady, and the heart behind countless community events, including the beloved annual Santa Run. Her leadership and devotion helped shape the Auxiliary into a pillar of support and service in the town she so dearly loved. She also supported her husband Joe in his role as Chief Officer with strength and pride, inspiring him and others to lead with unity and care.
Her most important job and role yet was being "Mom". Staci loved nothing more than being with family. She was the true definition of a "Momma bear", always making sure her children were the center of her universe and taken care of. She took no greater pride than being Mom to her three children.
Staci was known for her quick wit, her big heart, and her fierce love for those close to her. Whether it was adjusting family plans around emergencies or making sure she made her schedule around her 3 children never ever missing a softball game or a concert, she always put others before herself-never expecting anything in return. Her boundless compassion and sass brought laughter and love to every room she entered.
In her final weeks, Staci fought with the heart of a lion in the ICU, she braved this battle with courage and strength and absolute grace. Though her passing leaves an unfillable void, her memory will remain a guiding light to all who knew her. Her strength, selflessness, and devotion to others will forever be remembered. Her family extends heartfelt thanks to all that have reached out, shown up for us as a family and been there in some capacity along the way. Your compassion has been a source of strength during this incredibly painful time.
The Speranza family will receive friends on Tuesday, May 27, 3:00 until 8:00 PM at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home, 257 Godwin Avenue, Wyckoff. A prayer service will be held at 7:30 PM before the close of Visitation.
In lieu of flowers; memorial contributions may be made in Staci's name to the Hawthorne Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, 445 Lafayette Avenue, Hawthorne, NJ 07506.
Rest peacefully, Staci (Momma)-you are the love of our lives, and your legacy will live on in your children's and in every life you touched.