Jean Riggio

Jean Riggio, born Giovanna Armato Anello, age 93, of Lakewood, New Jersey, formerly of Syosset, Long Island, New York, and Brooklyn, New York, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 25, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of cherished memories and a legacy built on love, devotion to family, friendship, and an extraordinary passion for life.

Jean was born in the Bushwick-Ridgewood section of Brooklyn, New York, on Himrod Street, to her loving parents, the late Matthew Anello and Rosalie Armato Anello. She was their beloved and only daughter and carried with her throughout life the strong family values, resilience, and warmth that would come to define the woman she became.

Jean was the devoted wife of her beloved late husband, Rocco Riggio, with whom she shared many happy years of marriage, partnership, and family life. Together they built a home centered around love, loyalty, and unwavering commitment to family.

Above all else, Jean’s greatest joy and proudest accomplishment in life was her family. She was a deeply loving and devoted mother to Anthony Riggio and Susan Riggio and mother-in-law to Arlene Corpus Riggio (spouse of Anthony Riggio), serving throughout their lives as a constant source of unconditional love, encouragement, strength, wisdom, and emotional support. Her children remained the center of her world, and nothing brought her greater happiness than seeing those she loved thrive.

Jean was the dear sister of Frank Anello and a proud and loving grandmother to Jenna Riggio and Tiffany McGinty. She was also an adoring great-grandmother to Aiden Messer, Elizabeth McGinty, McKenzie McGinty, and Russell Anthony McGinty, each of whom brought tremendous pride and joy into her life.

After spending much of her life in New York, including many years in Brooklyn and later Syosset, Long Island, Jean eventually relocated to The Fairways at Lake Ridge community in Lakewood, New Jersey, where she became a beloved and active member of the community and developed countless close friendships during her later years.

Jean had a remarkable love for life and a special gift for connecting with people. She had a warm personality that naturally drew others to her and never missed an opportunity to build meaningful friendships. She especially loved music, singing, dancing, cooking, entertaining family and friends, and traveling, always bringing joy and energy wherever she went.

One of Jean’s lifelong passions was her love for Frank Sinatra, affectionately known in her world as “The Chairman of the Board.” His music filled countless moments of her life and reflected the style, elegance, and timeless spirit she herself carried so naturally.

In her later years, Jean remained exceptionally active within The Fairways community in Lakewood, where she devoted significant time to participating in social clubs, community activities, and helping organize events and gatherings that brought neighbors and friends together. Her outgoing nature, warmth, and love for community made her a cherished presence among all who knew her.

Those closest to Jean knew her as someone who lived with tremendous heart, generosity, humor, resilience, and grace. She was the emotional foundation of her family — a woman whose love was steadfast, whose guidance was invaluable, and whose presence brought comfort and strength to those fortunate enough to know her.

Jean Riggio will be remembered not simply for the years she lived, but for the love she gave so freely, the friendships she built so effortlessly, and the family she nurtured so deeply. Her passing leaves an immeasurable void, but her memory, spirit, and legacy will live on forever in the hearts of her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jean Riggio’s honor may be made to:

Susan Riggio 49 Foxwood Road Lakewood, New Jersey 08701

Forever loved. Forever remembered. Forever missed.

A Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, and again from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at D'Elia Funeral Home, 1300 Vermont Ave, Lakewood, NJ 08701.

A Funeral Mass will take place on Wednesday, July 1st at 10:30am at the St. Mary of the Lake Church located at 43 Madison Ave, Lakewood, NJ.

Interment will take place at Saint Mary of the Lake Cemetery, Massachusetts Ave, Toms River, NJ 08701, US, on July 1, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm.