Mary DeFelice Obituary – Millstone Township, NJ

MILLSTONE – Mary (Ritzo) DeFelice, 81, of Millstone Township, entered God's care Monday, November 7, 2011, at CentraState Medical Center, Freehold, with her family by her side.

She was born in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania and lived in Ewing Township in her earlier years. After her marriage to Andrew, they moved to Hamilton Township until they retired and moved to Cedar Run, New Jersey

Mary was a registered nurse formerly employed at Mercer Medical Center and Hamilton Hospital, where she was head nurse of the pediatric ward before retiring from Rider University in Lawrenceville.

Predeceased are her parents, Chivert and Mary (Sanzotta) Ritzo, her brother Carmen Ritzo, three brothers-in-law Gabriel Tattoni, Nicholas Carsia, Victor Gachetti and her loving, devoted husband of 57 years, Andrew S. DeFelice.

She is survived by her children, Pat and Simone DeFelice, Carmen and Janice DeFelice, Andrew and Tejal DeFelice and Maria DeFelice; her siblings Theresa Carsia, Albert Ritzo and wife Marion, Frances Tattoni and Richard Ritzo; two sisters-in-law, Doris Ritzo and Theresa Gachetti; 11 cherished grandchildren, Melissa and husband Robert, Matthew and wife Serena, Christopher, Richard, Michael, Timothy, Justin, Courtney, Rachel, Alissa and Neil; two cherished great-grandchildren, James Thomas and Grace Olivia; and many nieces and nephews.

Mary's greatest joy was caring for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mary was also known for offering help to every person, whether through deeds or prayers. One of her favorite passages was Hebrews 13:2: “Do not forget to entertain strangers; for by doing so some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” Mary was always there for her family, friends and strangers in need.

Calling hours are Fridays from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the funeral home. The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at the D'Errico Whitehorse Mercerville Chapel, 2365 Whitehorse Mercerville Road, Hamilton, in the Brenna Cellini facility. (609) 587-9050. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Gregory the Great Church, 4620 Nottingham Way, Hamilton. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, 283 Beachview Ave., Manahawkin, NJ 08050. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 become. 1905. Envelopes are available at the funeral home or can be donated online at www.stjude.org.