Maria Della Valle

Maria Ricci Della Valle passed away peacefully in her home on April 15, 2023 after a brief illness. She was 97 years old. Maria was born in Newark, NJ to Angelo Ricci and Rose Giannetta. After her mothers passing, Maria and her siblings were raised by their loving grandmother, Giovannina. She spent her childhood and young adult years in Newark. She later moved to Belleville and then finally, Toms River where she lived for the past 15 years.

Maria loved to cook and bake, specializing in classic Italian cuisine. She enjoyed entertaining her family and friends and was the host of many holiday gatherings, all of which will be remembered with great fondness. In her younger years, she enjoyed traveling with friends, abroad and internationally. She was an avid animal lover as well- always with a puppy by her feet or a kitty curled up on her lap.

Maria is predeceased by her husband and love of her life, Nicholas Della Valle; Stepson, Jason Della Valle; Granddaughter, Dana Della Valle and brothers and sister-in-law, Joseph Ricci, Anthony Ricci, sister-in-law Joan Ricci and Michael Ricci.

She is survived by her step children, Nicholas Della Valle and his wife Carol, Annie Blandino and her husband Al, Stephen Della Valle and his wife Donna, and daughter-in-law, Jacqueline Della Valle. Grandchildren, Jaime Thomas, Lauren Baldwin, Christina Lawrence, Stephen Della Valle Jr., Jason Della Valle, Jocelyn Mastropolo, Jolie Van Peenan, Nicholas Della Valle, Evan Della Valle and Jeffrey Della Valle; Nieces, Cheryl Ricci, Michele Ricci and Gina Muscarella and Nephews, David Ricci, Robert Gowing and Peter Gowing; and her sister-in-law Marion Ricci. She also leaves behind many great-grandchildren, great-nieces and nephews and her long-time friend of 70+ years, Marie Zoppi.

Maria was a loving, gentle soul and a cherished family member who will be immensely missed by many and whose beautiful memory will remain in our hearts for the rest of our days.

A Memorial Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at 9:00 am at St. Joseph’s Church, 685 Hooper Ave, Toms River. Cremation was private.