Suzanne M. DeFilippis

A Life of Style, Generosity, and an Open Door

Suzanne DeFilippis passed away with elegance and grace on October 30, 2026. She lived her life with an unmistakable sense of style, a generous heart, and an extraordinary gift for making everyone around her feel special.

Born and raised in Newark, NJ Suzanne’s roots ran deep. It was there that she developed lifelong friends and met her husband, Robert DeFilippis whom she was married to for 58 years. Those early years shaped her love of people, her strong sense of community, and her belief that friendships were meant to last a lifetime.

Suzanne had a natural flair for fashion, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a remarkable talent for connecting people. She began her career at Hahne’s Department store, where her passion for retail and sales flourished. She eventually owned her own boutique, Tops n’ Things in Colonia, NJ where she became known for dressing seemingly every woman in town. Fashion was never simply about clothing. It was about confidence, connection, and helping women look and feel their best.

Suzanne’s generosity was woven in the fabric of her life. She was a constant presence in the community, quietly and selflessly giving her time, energy and heart to others. Her countless acts of kindness and charitable giving were evident through her involvement with St. John Vianney School and Parish. Suzanne never needed recognition for the good she did. Helping others was simply who she was while looking after her children and watching them thrive in school.

Suzanne’s most enduring legacy has always been with her family created along the shores of NJ at Deauville Beach. It was there that she lovingly carried forward the traditions and spirit from her parents, creating a place where generations of family and friends would gather, celebrate, laugh and make memories that would last a lifetime. Alongside her husband and children, their home has always been much more than a summer destination. It is a gathering place, a refuge, and a place where everyone belongs. Once you walk through her door, you are family.

There is always room for one more at the table, another beach chair on the beach and of course a beach badge. Her greatest joy was not simply bringing people together, but making them feel as if they already belonged. Generations will continue to gather because of the home and heart she created.

Suzanne was the daughter of Mary and Clyde Smith and sister to Parcher Smith. She leaves behind her loving husband Robert DeFilippis along with her three children and their families. Robert and Jennifer DeFilippis, Heather and Jim Sperduto, Scott and Carrie DeFilippis. She was the best Nanny ever to Katelin, Connor, Luke, PJ, Charlie and Harvie. Donations can be made to honor Suzanne to Hope for Children Foundation NJ www.hfcf.org