Eileen Janice DePiero

Eileen Kraft DePiero, aged 90, passed peacefully from this world in her home, in the presence of loving family on September 15, 2026. She is predeceased by her beloved husband, Jim, of 65 years and is survived by their five children as well as her brother Donald Kraft (Gail). Eileen was born in Teaneck, NJ and grew up in Teaneck and Woodcliff Lake. She attended Park Ridge High School, where, at the age of 13, she met the love of her life, Jim DePiero.

Eileen was in the color guard, choral groups and served as class treasurer. She was the life of the party, both confident and outgoing, with a joie de vivre and genuine love for her friends. Following high school, Eileen attended Fairleigh Dickinson College and received her A.A. degree in Medical Assisting.

On June 8, 1957, she and Jim married and they began a life together filled with love, joy and faith. They welcomed five children into their world: Jim DePiero (Jane), Denise Surdoval (Donald), Lauren Davidson (Kevin), Leslie DePiero, and Jennifer DePiero (Jamie). This family of seven grew over the years to include spouses, partners, sixteen grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren. Eileen loved a full house, and made planning and executing large events seem effortless. The home she shared with Jim was always open and welcoming to family and friends alike.

Once her youngest was in middle school, Eileen became the manager of Jim’s dental practice, embracing work that included full automation of the records. The practice flourished with her attention and creative energy. She loved this work until her retirement. Later, she volunteered with Jim at Volunteers in Medicine in Hilton Head, SC.

Eileen loved her family and homes, enjoyed gardening, tennis, playing bridge and golfing. Spending time with her grandchildren was one of the greatest joys of her life. “Jammy” was always available to help with the grandchildren and attended countless graduations, baptisms, showers, birthday celebrations and weddings. She and Jim had a busy social life with many neighbors and friends. She loved a good cup of tea any time of day as well as strolling on the beach and walking barefoot whenever she could. She and Jim built their dream of a home on the ocean in Hilton Head, SC. They shared this special place with family and friends for many years. Lover of ice cream cones, children, a good laugh and a group sing, Eileen will be missed dearly by all those whose lives she touched and who loved her. Eileen is a legacy. Although her body may perish, she will live on in her children and their children for all the years to come.

Visitation 4-7 PM on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Rd., Westwood, NJ. Mass 11 AM on Monday, September 21, 2026, at Our Lady Mother of the Church, Woodcliff Lake, NJ. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory of Eileen DePiero to The Valley Hospital Foundation, specifically Valley Hospice @ Valleyhospitalfoundation.org/donate