Obituary of Silvia A. Peluso

Silvia Capasso Peluso of Totowa passed away on 4/2/22 at the age of 80. She was born in her beloved Pescopagano, Italy in 1941 to Pasquale and Angelina Capasso. Although she moved to the United States as a young girl in 1956 to join her father who immigrated before her, she always carried her hometown in her heart and soon began working to save up for a ticket back to Italy. This fund was frequently tapped into for pretty dresses, hats and shoes she would wear to Italian American social club dances. The goal of that return flight gradually receded, as she immersed herself in the community in East Orange, later dedicating herself to a career at the Clifton Foodtown for over 30 years, where coworkers and customers became family. In 1964, at a Center of Italian Culture dance, she caught the eye of the handsome Sicilian man who would become her beloved husband of 54 years. They shared a love of cooking, soccer, family and of course, quibbling over cooking, soccer, and family. Their Pescopagano vs. Comiso rivalry resulted in their children becoming so confused over which dialect to use, that they unknowingly created a unique Pescopaganese-Comisano hybrid spoken only in Silvia's home. In essence, Silvia was love. As her grandson Francesco says, "she didn't meet anyone she didn't love". She struck up conversations, pulled people in, loved having a full table, and was devoted to her children and grandchildren. Silvia's love of laughter and generosity of spirit created an extensive network of family and friends that she continually grew and cultivated. Beloved wife of fifty four years to Joseph Peluso of Totowa. Loving mother of Grazia Ugliarolo and her husbamd Nick of Nutley and Francesco Peluso and his wife Debra of Totowa. Dear grandmother of Joseph Peluso, Giancarlo Peluso, Francesco Peluso, Nicholas Ugliarolo and Michael Ugliarolo. Sister of Carmela Paolino of West Orange and Francesco Capasso of Nanuet, NY. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral from the Festa Memorial Funeral Home, 111 Union Blvd., Totowa on Wednesday, April, 6 at 9:30 AM. Funeral mass to follow at St. James R.C. Church, Totowa at 10:00 AM. Interment to follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Totowa. Friends may visit on Tuesday, April 5 from 2:00-4:00 PM and 7:00-9:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 would be appreciated.