Marie Judith Piombino

Born on December 7, 1943, in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, Marie was the daughter of Benjamin J. Piombino and Concetta R. Piombino (née Giordano). She grew up in Devon, Pennsylvania, where she attended Tredyffrin-Easttown Senior High School, now known as Conestoga High School. She later earned her bachelor’s degree from Villanova University, an institution that would forever remain very close to her heart.

Family was at the center of Marie’s life, and some of her most treasured memories were rooted in her childhood and growing up in her family home on South Valley Forge Road in Devon. She carried these memories with her no matter how many cities she lived in or how far life took her.

Marie built a successful career in marketing, spending much of her professional life in the aerospace and defense industry. Her career and adventurous spirit took her to many cities across the United States and abroad, giving her the opportunity to experience new places and build lasting relationships both near and far.

Throughout her life, Marie had a remarkable ability to make friends and, even more importantly, to keep them. She cherished her friendships, some dating back to her high school years, and that gift continued throughout her career and into her retirement in Naples, Florida. To those fortunate enough to call her a friend, Marie was faithful, loving, caring, and fiercely loyal. Her affection rarely stopped with the friend alone. She took a genuine interest in their children and families, followed their lives, celebrated their milestones, and made them part of her own circle of caring.

Marie was also a wonderful cook who took pleasure in preparing food for the people she loved. Her cooking was another expression of her generosity and hospitality, bringing family and friends together around the table and creating heartwarming memories.

Creativity and spirituality were important parts of who Marie was. She was an artist and a poet, who used her talents to explore and express her reflections on life. Most recently, she became a published author with the release of a collection of her spiritual poetry—a deeply personal and meaningful accomplishment that allowed her to share this part of herself with others.

Marie was a sports fan, and a passionate one, at that. She was extremely devoted, exceptionally vocal, and rarely shy about sharing her opinion while cheering for her beloved Villanova Wildcats or her hometown Philadelphia Eagles. Whether celebrating a victory or reacting to a particularly frustrating loss, anyone watching a game with Marie knew exactly where she stood.

Those who knew Marie best will also remember the distinctive little things that made her unmistakably Marie. There was her characteristic “princess wave,” always delivered with just the right amount of flair; an eye roll capable of communicating an entire conversation without her having to say a word; and, last but not least, one of her signature expressions: “Goodnight, Gracie.” Whether it followed a disappointing Villanova or Eagles loss, when there was simply nothing more to be said, or just as easily at the end of an ordinary phone conversation with someone she loved; however it was delivered, those who knew Marie knew exactly what it meant, and exactly how she meant it.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin J. and Concetta R. Piombino, and her sister, Constance M. Staszak. She is survived by her brother, Benjamin Piombino and his wife, Brenda; her brother-in-law, Joseph Staszak Sr.; her niece, Sandra Dalby and her husband, Mark; and her nephews, Joseph Staszak Jr.; Daniel Piombino; Jason Piombino and his wife, Jessica; and many extended family members and cherished friends whose lives she touched over the years. Marie was also a loving great-aunt to Benjamin, Paul, and Grace Santoleri; Ana and Sara Staszak; Lucia Piombino; Giovanni and Carina Piombino.

Marie lived life in her own beautiful way—with creativity, elegance, conviction, humor, and style. She will be remembered for all of these traits and, above all, for how deeply she cared about the people she loved. Those who knew and loved her will miss not simply her presence, but all of the wonderfully unique things that made Marie, Marie. So, perhaps it is only fitting that she gets the last word: “Goodnight, Gracie!”

A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church in Strafford, PA, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Interment will occur immediately afterward at St. Augustine Cemetery in King of Prussia, PA.