Obituary of Maria Critelli

Maria Critelli, aged 91, passed away peacefully on August 18th, 2023, at her home in Freehold Township. 

Maria was born in Bronx, New York to Vincent and Lucille Masciarelli. She lived there until she was married and moved to Brooklyn, New York with her husband Anthony J. Critelli where they raised their two daughters. 

Maria and Anthony moved to Monroe Township in 1993 and settled in the Rossmoor community where she lived until moving to Freehold Township.

Maria is predeceased by her husband of over sixty years Anthony (Tony) Critelli, her dear parents, Vincent and Lucille Masciarelli, and her sister, Mary Ann Figueroa.

 Maria is survived by her two daughters: Donna Morelli and her husband Fred of Farmingdale, NJ, Debbie Romanella and her husband Rocky of Monroe Township, NJ, six grandchildren: Christina Morelli, Anthony and Chrissy Morelli, Jean Marie and Kris Rinaldi, Nicole and Sean O'Neal, Rocky and Jen Romanella, and Andrew Romanella. Maria was affectionately known as GiGi by her ten great grandchildren: Nico, Avianna, Aria, Lorenzo, Penelope, Carson, Sofia, Rocco, Leo and Luca.

Maria will also be missed by many extended family members and friends.

Maria loved time spent with her beautiful family. Our annual Christmas baking day was inspired by her delicious recipes. Many happy summers were spent with her family in the Catskills. Social games like Mah Jongg and Bocce were happy times for her, she also loved playing cards; Poker and May I were favorites. You could always find a crossword puzzle in her hand at any given time. Favorite vacations included trips to Las Vegas and Atlantic City. She loved the slot machines and the Roulette table. In recent years she always looked forward to a birthday trip to Parx casino in Pennsylvania. As the wife of a veteran, Maria was a proud member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Catholic War Veterans for many years.

 

Donations may be made in Maria's name to the St. Jude Children's Hospital by clicking here: St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital