Obituary of Maria DiGenova

DiGenova, Maria age 89 of Paterson at rest in Paterson on July 27, 2024. Beloved wife of the late Virgilio DiGenova (2008). Loving mother of Rinaldo "Rino" of Wayne and Salvatore "Sal" of Ellicott City, MD.  Dear grandmother of Nicholas, Salvatore, Daniel and Gabriella DiGenova.  Great- grandmother of Oliver, Charlotte, and Adeline DiGenova.  Sister of Salvatore Cianciulli of Italy and the late Lucia, Lidia and Pasquallino.  Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Born in Montella, Prov Avellino, Italy, Maria and her husband, Virgilio, emigrated to America in 1955, settling in Jersey City and then in 1966 resettling in Paterson.  Maria worked as a seamstress at the Samuel Brutin Coat factory, where she excelled at her craft for over 30 years. 

Not one to engage in hobbies, she did however love to take her annual trip to Atlantic City with the Sisters of St. Joseph's, as well as bake her famous struffoli and a variety of cookies, in particular, pignoli nut cookies. 
 

A devoted wife and mother who was guided by her faith in God, the Virgin Mary and church, Maria was a parishioner of St. Gerard’s RC Church in Paterson. And, as with most Italian immigrants of that generation, Maria and Virgilio instilled a strong work ethic and deep family values in their children, encouraging them to exceed in all aspects of life – and now peacefully at rest, knowing that the mission was accomplished.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral services at the Festa Memorial Funeral Home, 111 Union Blvd., Totowa on Wednesday at 10:30 AM.  Funeral Mass to follow at St. Gerard R.C. Church, Paterson at 11:00 AM.  Entombment at Holy Sepulchre Mausoleum, Totowa.  Friends may visit Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 PM.  In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38501 would be appreciated.