Emily Cristaldi

Emily Cristaldi died January 15, 2022, at RWJ Barnabas Monmouth Medical Center, South Campus, in Lakewood Township. Having combatted lung problems for many years, at age ninety, she was too weak to overcome COVID.

Emily was born in Jersey City to Vincenzo and Rosina (Lustri) Giovinazzo, emigrees from Reggio Calabria, Italy. Reared at the height of the Great Depression, Emily’s life was defined by hard work, frugality, family and faith. While a teenager, she worked in a doctor’s office in Jersey City. After graduating from James J. Ferris High School, she clerked at the Merrill Lynch Accounting Department in New York for several years during which she met and married Carmen Cristaldi.

The couple first resided in Newark where they welcomed the birth of twin sons. Through diligence and effort, they were able to buy a duplex in West New York where a third son was born. These were busy and lean times. Keeping three fast-growing kids well-fed and clothed on one income demanded sacrifice and superb budgetary skills. Nevertheless, the couple managed to upgrade to a new house in then more-suburban Palisades Park.

Emily was a loving, devoted, hands-on, full-time mother who participated in field trips. She took her boys on rock-finding trips and served as a scout den mother. Emily was a good cook and cheerfully hosted all celebratory and holidays dinners which the extended family and friends enjoyed. She had many interests, among which was the study of astrology and she did charts for all her family members.

After the kids had finished school, Emily rejoined the work force as an account analyst for the Sanyo Corporation in Little Ferry. It was an interesting and rewarding job until her retirement.

After retiring, Emily then moved to the Four Seasons adult community in Lakewood. She became an active participant in community life; sang in the Glee Club and served on support clubs. Generous with her time, Emily helped her elder neighbors with chores and chauffeured them to medical appointments. She became a dedicated volunteer at the Kimball Medical Center, receiving a commendation for 3000 hours of service.

Emily was a kind person, appreciating small gestures and taking delight in even little things. Deeply religious, she attended church regularly and was generous in her support of many causes and charities.

Emily was pre-deceased by her husband Carmen Cristaldi, son Bruce Cristaldi, son John Cristaldi and brother Francis Giovinazzo. Emily is survived by her son Mark Cristaldi, daughter-in-law Laura (Alfano) Cristaldi and grandson Mark Jr. Cristaldi; sister Marie Morgan, niece and goddaughter Nancy Clare Morgan, niece Madelaine Morgan Hagan and her husband Michael Hagan. Memorial mass to be announced in spring. Condolences may be sent through the D'Elia Funeral Home, 1300 Vermont Avenue, Lakewood, NJ 08701, or online at www.deliafuneralhome.com