Antonietta "NONNA" Masini Santomo

She fought a courageous battle against recent health issues, displaying the same resilience that defined her life. Throughout her journey, her devoted family stood by her side, helping her navigate each challenge with strength and love.

Born in 1942 in Pescopagano (Potenza), Italy, Antonietta lived there until her teenage years before moving to Venezuela with her family. It was in Venezuela that she met her beloved husband, Renato. Together, they started their family and ran a tailor shop, where she worked as a seamstress making uniforms for soldiers.

Thanks to her dear Aunt Philomena Bruno and the Spagnuolo cousins, she began a new chapter in Orange, NJ, in the 1960s. She always cherished her strong Italian heritage and remained active in various Italian cultural clubs. She formed lifelong friendships with many others from Pescopagano or nearby villages who had also settled in the area.

Antonietta was a devoted wife and loving mother who took great pride in her role as a homemaker. An exceptional cook, she was known for bringing trays of baked ziti and meatballs to her eldest son Sam’s college football tailgates—long before tailgating became popular. While raising her three sports-active children, she also helped support her husband and brother-in-law, Mario Santomo, in running their dry-cleaning business in Orange, NJ.

A devout Catholic, Antonietta was very active in St. Joseph's Church in West Orange, serving for many years as a Eucharistic Minister and as a member of the Rosary Society Prayer Group. Her faith and devotion to the Blessed Madonna of Montemauro, the patron saint of her hometown, were central to her life.

When not participating in church activities or entertaining guests, Antonietta enjoyed playing Bingo, scopa with friends, and taking bus trips to Atlantic City. She had a love for slot machines and often returned home with winnings—much to the delight of her family!

In her later years, she found joy in spending time with her many dear friends, often sharing conversation over coffee and her homemade biscotti with neighbors and visitors.

Above all, Antonietta cherished her role as Nonna to her 10 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. She had a generous spirit and an unmatched ability to love and nurture. Nothing brought her more happiness than spending time with her family and cooking for them. Her daily phone calls asking family members to pick up a “parade of food” will be deeply missed.

Antonietta is predeceased by her beloved husband, Renato, and her brothers Pasquale (Patsy) Masini and John Masini.

She is survived by her brother Frank Masini, her sister Angelina Margotta, and her brother-in-law Mario Santomo and his wife Teresa. She is also survived by her children: Serafino "Sam" Santomo and his wife Laurie of Mendham, Giuseppe "Joe" Santomo and his wife Jeanette, also of Mendham, and Maria Cuccinello and her husband Greg of Madison. Her loving grandchildren include Anthony Santomo (Daniella), Samantha Cooper (Sean), Geena Gaver (Henry), Nikki Santomo, Brianna Barrett (Kyle), Gregory Cuccinello (Paige), Christian Cuccinello (Kylie), Sienna Santomo, Savannah Santomo, and Adrianna Santomo. Her great-grandchildren: Giorgio, Lorenzo, Carson, and Brooks. Additionally, she is survived by her devoted nieces and nephews: Rita Goettlicher (Harold), Joseph Masini (Heather), Rita Houmis (David), and Joseph Masini (Gina).

Visitation will be held at Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home in Livingston on Thursday, May 29, from 4 PM to 8 PM.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s Church in West Orange on Friday, May 30, at 10 AM, followed by entombment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Associazione Della Madonna Di Montemauro would be most appreciated: 253 Passaic Avenue, West Caldwell, NJ 07006