Obituary of Raphael Canta

Raphael “Rae” Canta, 82, of Colts Neck passed away on Sunday, July 25, 2021 at the Jersey Shore University Medical Center. She was born in Manhattan and was raised in Lodi before moving to Baywood and Lakewood. Rae settled in Colts Neck in 2010 to be close to her family. She was instrumental in the organization and management of many companies across multiple industries. Rae was happiest when she had her feet in the sand. She was a master in the kitchen and perfected Sunday dinner, especially her meatballs. Rae enjoyed playing various card games with her friends. She was a caring and nurturing mother and grandmother and loved her grand dogs. Rae was a mother figure to many and shared her home and great hospitality with anyone lucky enough to have spent time with her. She will be remembered for the wisdoms and traditions she passed onto her children and grandchildren as the Matriarch of the Canta family.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband Michael J. Canta, and her parents, Mario and Concetta D’Amato. Rae is survived by her children, Mario Anthony Canta and his wife, Lisa of Colts Neck, and Michelle Federico and her husband, Gary of Colts Neck; her grandchildren, Kelsey Lee Pillari and her husband, Tristan; Garrett Michael Federico; Dakota Lee Canta; Michael Andrew Federico; and Carson Rae Federico; her sister, Carol Rastocky of Lodi; grand dogs, Kayla Rae, Lola Rae, Bella Rae, Luna Lee and Nashville Rae; as well as many lifelong friends and extended family.

A visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township from 3:00 to 8:00 PM on Tuesday, July 27, 2021. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her 11:00 AM Funeral Mass on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at the St. James Roman Catholic Church, 94 Broad Street, Red Bank. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Rae’s memory can be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. For information, directions, or condolence messages to the family please visit claytonfuneralhome.com