Guistina Molinari

Guistina “Jessie” Molinari, 104, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2026, surrounded by nothing but peace and the love of her family.

Born on May 30, 1922, in Newark, New Jersey, Jessie was the youngest of sixteen children. She lived through more than a century of history, but what made her life remarkable was not simply the number of years she lived—it was the number of lives she touched. Jessie had a larger-than-life personality, an infectious smile, and a unique gift for making everyone she met laugh, feel important, and loved. She was remembered everywhere she went.

Jessie married the love of her life, Leonard Molinari. Together they raised two beautiful children, Camille and Leonard Molinari Jr. in Newark, New Jersey. At that time in her life she worked at the Lionel Train factory where she proudly assembled the iconic trains. She was always glowing and so proud of her beautiful children. All the way up until her final days, she would always be singing the praises of how beautiful her daughter, “Sis” is, or how incredible her talented musician son Lenny is.

After the passing of her husband in 1978, Jessie moved to the family condominium in Orlando, Florida on her own. There she joined the Walt Disney World family and became the beloved maître d’ at Alfredo’s Restaurant in EPCOT. Known for her warmth, charm, and unforgettable personality, Jessie became the face of the restaurant for countless guests. Celebrities, athletes, politicians, business leaders, and visitors from around the world were drawn to her kindness and genuine love for people. Many returned year after year just to see Jessie.

Later, Jessie became one of Disney’s most trusted VIP childcare providers. Families entrusted her with their most precious gift—their children. She cared for the children of celebrities, professional athletes, entertainers, and dignitaries visiting Walt Disney World. The impact she made was extraordinary. Many families stayed in touch with her for years, writing letters, sending gifts, and expressing gratitude for the love, care, and joy she brought into their children’s lives.

When Jessie eventually returned to New Jersey in her 80s, she dedicated her time to the people she loved most: her family. Nothing made her happier than being surrounded by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends. She was the heart of every gathering, the life of every party, and the person everyone hoped would be there. Her laughter, stories, wisdom, jokes, sayings, and love filled every room she entered.

Jessie is survived by her daughter, Camille Molinari; Her son, Leonard Molinari Jr. and his wife, Celeste; Her granddaughter Jennifer DeFillippis, her husband, Randy DeFillippis; Her grandson, Dave Finelli, his wife, Laurie Finelli; Her grandson Lenny Molinari, his wife Monika Molinari, Her granddaughter Katherine Molinari; Her 9 great grandchildren, and many other beloved relatives and dear friends.

In her final days, Jessie spoke openly about her love for family, stories of the past, and her faith in God. With her placing her trust in Jesus Christ as her Savior, her family finds great comfort in the promises of Scripture, and the assurance that she is now in the presence of the Lord she came to trust.

Jessie’s legacy is one of love, kindness, faith, resilience, and lots of joy and laughter. Few people left her presence without being impacted by her one of a kind, magnetic personality. Her influence reached far beyond her family and friends, touching countless lives for over 104 extraordinary years!

Though she will be deeply missed, her family rejoices in the memories she leaves behind and in the promise that they will see her again.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23