Mildred R. Delisa Obituary (1918 - 2025)

Mildred Rose Delisa, 106, a lifelong resident of Orange, N.J., passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, March 31, 2025. Born in 1918, Mildred was one of three children of Joseph and Elsie (nee DaVingo) Luongo. She was a proud graduate of Orange High School and, in 1941, married the love of her life, John F. Delisa, owner of Delisa Pallet Corporation. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and cherished traditions. Over the course of her 106 remarkable years, Mildred lived through a century of extraordinary change, from the Roaring Twenties and the Great Depression to the rise of modern technology. She saw the world transform in ways unimaginable when she was a child, yet through it all, she remained grounded in what mattered most--family, faith and love. Mildred's greatest joy was her family, and she was happiest when everyone was gathered around her table for Sunday dinners, Christmas Eve feasts, and Easter celebrations. These gatherings were filled with love, laughter and the warm company of lifelong family friends, Hunky and Rita. She was blessed with the unwavering support of her dear mother, sister, and brother-in-law, as well as the love of her treasured grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A dedicated and social woman, Mildred was an active member of the Ladies Auxiliary of UNICO, where she formed lifelong friendships. She loved playing cards on Saturday nights with John and their friends and took great pleasure in trips to Atlantic City. Summers were spent at her beloved family home in Ortley Beach, N.J., where weekends were filled with friends, bocce games and evenings spent laughing, eating, and enjoying each other's company. Mildred was an avid reader, having devoured nearly every book by Danielle Steel, and she was a devoted New York Yankees fan--her favorite player, Derek Jeter, was lovingly referred to as her "boyfriend." One of the great highlights of her life was a voyage to Italy aboard the Queen Elizabeth II, a trip she and John cherished deeply. For the past five years, Mildred was lovingly cared for in her home by Agnes, Iya, Marie and Tammy, whose kindness, compassion, and dedication brought great comfort to her and her family. Mildred was predeceased by her beloved husband, John F. Delisa; her parents, Joseph and Elsie Luongo; her brother, Michael Luongo; her sister, Rose Saporito; and her nephew, Joseph Luongo. She leaves behind her devoted son, John Delisa, and his wife, Monica (nee Gugliuzza); her cherished grandchildren, Renee Colavita and her husband, David, and John Charles Delisa; and her adored great-granddaughters, Allegra Rose and Aria Grace Colavita. She is also survived by her loving nieces, Ursula Pappas and Rita DeGerolomo, along with many other nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews who will forever hold her in their hearts. Mildred lived a beautiful life and left an indelible mark on all who knew her. She will be deeply missed. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Paul Ippolito-Dancy Memorial, 9 Smull Ave., Caldwell. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at Notre Dame Church, North Caldwell, followed by interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Hospice at www.AffinityHealthManagement.com