Obituary of Grazia Dichio

“E La Chiamarano Beata”

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother. Grazia Dichio (nee Candido) age 84, of Denville, NJ passed away peacefully on Friday morning, August 4, 2023 surrounded by her loving family. She was born on November 19, 1938, in Montescaglioso, Italy to the late Francesco Candido and Maria Bruna Mongelli. She touched the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing her and we take solace in the beautiful memories she has left behind.

Beloved wife of 33 years to Angelo Dichio of Montescaglioso, Italy. Devoted mother of four children: Franco (wife Annette Tassone), Cornelia (husband Vincenzo Torano), Giovanna (husband Rick Ricucci) and Maria (husband Matthew Johnson). Cherished “nonna” / “grandma” of Romina & Gianangelo Dichio, Valeria, Davide & Enrico Torano, Marisa & Nicolo’ Ricucci, and Matteo Johnson. Dear sister of the late Ciro Candido and Giovanna Marchitelli; loving aunt to nieces and nephews in both Italy and the US.

Grazia courageously immigrated to the United States in 1970 with her four young children, Franco (5), Cornelia (3), and Giovanna and Maria (8 months). Reunited with Angelo, she helped to establish the foundation for a new chapter in her life.

Grazia loved family gatherings, Sundays spent at the beach in the summertime, anything related to fashion and applying her creative gifts as a seamstress and designing original outfits.

Hosting dinner parties was one of her specialties where she cooked up amazing homemade Italian feasts - with a minimum of 5 courses! The memory of those gatherings will forever be etched in our hearts. Her passion for flowers and gardening was extraordinary. The beauty she cultivated in her garden was a reflection of her own spirit - vibrant, nurturing, and full of life.

Her master talent for sewing and fashion sense was truly awe-inspiring. Countless beautiful outfits, gowns, and coats were crafted by her skilled hands, making each special event even more memorable. Her creations were an embodiment of elegance and grace.

Grazia had a love for reading, music, dancing and enjoyed discussing current events and politics.

Above all, she cherished her role as a grandmother to her 8 grandkids. Each one held a special place in her heart, and she showered them with unconditional love. Sharing her Italian language and heritage along with life lessons, Grazia was a guiding force in their lives.

We bid farewell to an extraordinary woman who lived her life with principles, kindness, compassion, and generosity. May we honor her memory by embracing the values that she imparted and her endearing “stubbornness.” Let’s carry forward her legacy of love, strength and kindness. Rest in peace, nostra mamma, grandma, nonna, Grazia, you will be deeply missed and forever cherished. Ti vogliamo bene assai, ma tanto tanto bene sai!

In lieu of flowers donations to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105 would be appreciated.

Family and friends are invited to Festa Memorial Funeral Home, Friday, August 11, from 4:00-8:00 PM and to a funeral mass at St. James RC Church, 32 St. James Pl,. Totowa on Saturday at 10:00.  Procession leaving funeral home at 9:30 AM.  Cemetery will be private.