Maria DiPaolo

Maria Libera DiPaolo, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, dear friend, and successful businesswoman, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 12, at the age of 94.

Maria was a fixture in her town and the matriarch of her family. She led Redwood Realty of Verona for decades and was a well-known member of the New Jersey Real Estate community. As the wife of Vincenzo DiPaolo, the legendary baker of DiPaolo Bakery, she was known for her generous spirit; gift baskets, dessert trays, donations to missions, etc., she was prolific in her giving. With Redwood Realty “upstairs” and DiPaolo Bakery occupying the ground floor, 605 Bloomfield Avenue was their home away from home and the space where thousands of friends, old and new, passed through, whether for a cannoli or a real estate closing. Maria and Enzo truly loved running side by side businesses and worked joyfully for decades together.

Maria emigrated to the United States from Guardia dei Lombardi in the Campania region of Italy in 1954 at a time when many immigrants like her were seeking new opportunities across the Atlantic. She raised four daughters while learning a new culture and language, and building a livelihood. First as a real estate agent, then as a broker, and finally as owner and Broker of Record at Redwood Realty, she became well-known as a savvy and always stylish businesswoman possessing a tireless work ethic, and her business grew accordingly. By 1978 she achieved the honor of becoming a member of the Million Dollar Sales Club and her real estate career continued to thrive over the years; her business is now passed on to her daughter, Iris DeFinis, who worked side by side with her for many years.

Never short on energy and enthusiasm, in addition to her real estate career, Maria was an active and cherished member of the regional community of Italian immigrants. Whether gathering in Newark, the Bronx, or Caldwell, Maria was always present to support honorees and preserve and celebrate Italian culture. She served as a member of the Federation of Italian and American Society of New Jersey for decades. Maria received the Joe DiMaggio Award for Italian American Heritage in 2007, was named the Italian Tribune’s “Woman of the Year” in 2008, the Alzheimer Diseases of New York’s “Woman of the Year” in 2013, and the Federation of Italian American Society’s “Woman of the Year” in 2014. Cavaleri Vincent and Maria served as grand marshalls of the Nutley Belleville 41st Annual Columbus Day and Italian Heritage Parade in 2023. Maria was a longtime member of the Verona Chamber of Commerce, the Center for Italian and Italian and American Culture, and the Casa Colombo Culture Center in Jersey City, NJ.

As a lively and exuberant wife, sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Maria was a life force like no other. She loved family gatherings, raising a toast to recognize family accomplishments, and spending hours on the dance floor. She loved sharing a laugh and chatting over a cup of tea. “Mommy” was a protective and strong guide for her daughters, and “Nonna” brought countless hours of joy and fun to her many grandchildren. She always reminded her family of how blessed we all are to have each other and encouraged us to pursue our passions, while always keeping a close eye on the bottom line.

Maria and Vincenzo were blessed with a beautiful, loving bond. They worked and lived side-by-side in absolute harmony. As Vincenzo noted, “there was never any problem too big.” They cherished each other with rare devotion and an unbreakable bond. Every February 14, on Valentine’s Day, Maria’s birthday, Enzo would prepare a special dessert and celebrate her life with affection. Every December 13, to honor Enzo’s mother, Lucia, the happy couple would open their home, celebrating the blessing of the wine and the joys of another year together! Maria’s sense of hospitality meant that their home was open to all, and at their table, everyone was family.

Maria is survived by her husband, Vincenzo, her two brothers, Nicholas Melchionna (Letizia), and Joseph Melchionna, her children, Joann Pappas (Ron), Susan Lytle (Jim), Iris DeFinis (Joe), Brenda Campanella (Ron), Vincent DiPaolo (Elena) and Samantha DiPaolo – twelve grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Vittorio and Assunta Melchionna and her sister in law, Romaine Melchionna.

Funeral visitation will be held at Dancy Funeral Home, 9 Smull Avenue, Caldwell on Tuesday November 17, from 4:00-7:00pm, with a liturgical mass at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church. 26 Lakeside Avenue, Verona, on Wednesday November 18, at 10:00am.