Carmella "Mella" Belgiovine

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our amazing mother, Carmella Louise Belgiovine (nee Romano) who passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 24 at the age of 95.

Mom was born on April 8, 1931, to Gaetano and Rose Romano. She grew up in Hoboken, New Jersey, the second youngest of eight children. The Romanos were hard working Italian immigrants who lived and loved life with gusto.

Mella met her beloved Iggy at a Hoboken dance and four years later married in January 1956. They started their family in 1957 and moved to Maywood, New Jersey, where they lived until they retired to Florida in 1995. They traveled extensively during their retirement years, returning to Italy in 2010 to visit family in their birthplaces. A trip that truly brought them great joy. Our parents returned to Bergen County, New Jersey in 2021 to be closer to family. They had 66 wonderful years together before Dad’s passing in July 2022. Mom, with Iggy by her side, were active volunteers in numerous organizations both in New Jersey and Florida, especially in their parish communities. Helping others was a pillar of mom’s faith and her rich social calendar kept her young at heart.

A cosmetologist by trade, mom was at her best when doing hair and make-up for others. She enjoyed dressing in stylish, colorful clothing with jewelry to match. Mom was always the life of the party. Her warm smile and infectious laugh could light up a room. With dad as her partner, she loved to dance and music was nonstop in our home – from Italian ballads to big band sounds to rock and roll.

She was the kind of mom who always knew what you were up to, who your friends were and when trouble was brewing. Mom had a look that would stop you in your tracks. It was her superpower!

She held a deep faith and spent time praying and reading the Bible. She was especially devoted to the Blessed Mother and the Rosary. As an active member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, she chaired the Rosary Society, initiated the Friday afternoon Bingo and volunteered for many years at the church picnic. Mom was also a friendly face behind the counter and the Maywood Bakery where she made lifelong friends.

Cooking and baking for her family and friends was her passion! She had amazing culinary skills which she passed on to her children and grandchildren. In 1973, her Oregano Bread won The New Jersey Dispatch Best Recipe Contest which we now refer to as ‘Grandma Mella Bread’!

Spending time with family and friends was like breathing to her. If you stopped by her home there was always a meal, a cake or something sweet for you to eat. Sharing food was her love language and many had the pleasure of enjoying her culinary creations. There was never a holiday where an unexpected guest was not seated at our table – mom welcomed everyone and anyone. Her laughter and celebration of life’s special moments have created lasting memories that will be cherished forever.

Mella is survived by her four children – Bridget (Sandy Vivas) Belgiovine, Rosemary (Keith) Kwaterski, John (Karen) Belgiovine and Camille (Charles) Spera. Her adored grandchildren – Melissa (Adam) Federhar, Lauren (Patrick) O’Brien, Kenneth (Angel) Kwaterski, Matthew (Kristen) Belgiovine, Allison (Jason) Hayhurst, Jennifer (Ben) Ward, Michael Spera and Amanda (fiancée Anthony Lombardo) Spera. She also leaves behind 11 dear great-grandchildren – Archer Federhar, Jack and Jovie O’Brien, Giana, Aria and Ella Kwaterski, Luke, Jack and Callum Hayhurst and Oliver and Elliot Ward (who was born on her birthday). She is also survived by a sister-in-law, Rose Romano and many cherished nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Iggy, her parents, siblings, in-laws and their spouses.

We are grateful for the extraordinary support, care and love mom received in her final years at Christian Health Heritage Manor, Wyckoff, NJ and through Valley Hospice.

Those wishing to honor Carmella's life are invited to make a memorial donation to Christian Health Foundation - Employee Fund: https://www.christianhealthnj.org/foundation/donate-online/

Please select 'Employee Fund' from the drop down. Your generosity will help acknowledge the hard work and dedication of these amazing caregivers, which meant so much to our mom.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at 10:00am at Immaculate Conception Church, 900 Darlington Avenue, Mahwah, NJ 07430.

You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.

Psalm 16:11