Santa P. (Fiorenza) Pompei, age 96, of Lake Tranquility, New Jersey, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to many, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, December 14, 2021 surrounded by her family. Santa was born on September 13, 1925 in Perth Amboy, NJ to Vincenzo and Nunziata (Figliola) Fiorenza. Santa grew up and lived in the Bronx, NY for over 50 years, attending PS7 and Walton High School. She married the love of her life, Angelo (Andy) Pompei on April 19, 1946 at St. John’s Church in the Bronx, a union that lasted 66 years. She and Andy then moved to Shirley, Long Island where she resided for 30 years, wintering in Florida during many of those years. For the last 12 years she was a resident of Lake Tranquility, NJ.
After high school she began her career at Standard & Poor’s in NYC. She was last employed and retired from Lehman College (CUNY), Bronx, NY, where she was the Executive Assistant to the Dean of Nursing.
Santa and her “partner” Andy were accomplished ballroom dancers providing entertainment on cruise ships and at numerous social functions, always receiving accolades for their performances. They also offered complimentary lessons to anyone that was willing to learn. She also enjoyed Broadway shows, camping on the beach and cooking, especially her rice balls (arancini), a family favorite. In her early years, she was a Cub Scout Den Mother and a member of the Mount St. Michael’s Mothers Club. Santa was also a parishioner and communicant at Good Shepherd R.C. Church of Andover and a member of the Green Twp Seniors Club.
Santa was loved and adored by all. She is survived by her sons Daniel Pompei (Cara), Lake Tranquility, NJ; and Thomas Pompei (Rose) Poughkeepsie, NY; her loving grandchildren Nicolle, Gregory, Eric, Carin, Alyssa and great-grandchildren Luca Angelo and Maceo Blue. She also cherished her special relationship with her longtime caregiver and friend Maritza McFaline. Christmas was a special time of year for her, affectionately known as aunt “Santa” to her many nieces and nephews.
Santa was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 66 years Angelo (Andy) Pompei; her sister Nancy Pace, and parents Vincenzo and Nunziata Fiorenza.
A visitation for Santa will be held Sunday, December 19, 2021 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Smith-McCracken Funeral Home, 63 High St., Newton, NJ 07860. A funeral mass of Christian burial will be held Monday, December 20, 2021 at 11:00 AM at Good Shepherd R.C. Church, 48 Tranquility Road, Andover, NJ 07821. Memorial donations may be made to Good Shepherd R.C. Church, PO Box 464, Andover, NJ 07821
Online Condolences may be made to smithmccrackenfuneralhome.com.
