Caroline McDermott

The family of Caroline McDermott (née Costella) is deeply saddened to announce the peaceful passing of their beautiful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother on August 16, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Just 15 days shy of her 100th birthday, Caroline leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of family, love, laughter, and a century of wonderful memories.

Caroline was born on August 31, 1926, to Salvatore and Giulia Costella, who came to the United States from Parma, Italy. Subsequent to her mother's passing, Caroline was raised by her father and his new wife Margaret (Nana), in the Bronx, New York, as part of a large and loving family. She was predeceased by her siblings, Clotilda, Gertrude, Catherine, Louis, Alexander, Georgie, Annamay, Salvatore, Benito, and Roberto.

Caroline was also predeceased by her beloved husband of 57 years, Thomas “GP” McDermott. Together, Caroline and Thomas made their home in Emerson, New Jersey, where they raised six children and created a home filled with love, family, and countless memories. They later moved to Ramsey, New Jersey.

Caroline is survived by her six children: Juliann Berdini (Jeffrey) Karen Giovanniello (Neil), Viola Peles (John), Barbara Schwartz (Bill), Tom McDermott (Christine), and Marybeth Wetzelberger (Bill).

Caroline’s greatest joy was her large and ever-growing family. She was blessed with 17 grandchildren: Lauren, Jonathan (Craig), Danielle (Amanda), Nicole (Chris), John, Jenna (John), Trace (Paige), Caitlin, Billy (Marissa), Dane (Tia), Callie (Grainger), Shayna (Devon), Billy, Cade, Kim (John Mike), Jamie (Trey) and Stephen, as well as 22 great-grandchildren. To generations of her family, she was lovingly known simply as “Mama.” It was a name that came to represent the love and warmth at the very center of their family.

She is also survived by her loving sister-in-laws, Vera, Lorraine and Betty Costella, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends whom she loved deeply.

Caroline will be remembered by so many for her extraordinarily kind heart, her patience, her wonderful sense of humor, and the infectious smile that would light up any room she entered. She had a way of making people laugh and making those around her feel welcome and loved. Her family was the center of her world, and the love she gave so freely will continue through the generations she leaves behind.

She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 20, 2026, from 3:00pm to 7:00pm at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, NJ.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, August 21, 2026, at 10:00am at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 2 Fremont Avenue, Park Ridge, NJ.

Burial services will take place at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest with her husband.