Obituary of Raffaela Mariano

Rae Mariano, cherished wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, was born in Brooklyn, NY on August 6, 1924, to Pasquale and Ida Esposito. She lived a long and extraordinary life, recently celebrating her 100th birthday surrounded by the love of her family and friends. Rae shared a beautiful and devoted marriage with her loving husband, Angelo, with whom she is now reunited. He was a proud World War II veteran who was gentle and kind to his family and everyone he met. Together, they built a legacy of love. She was also a loving sister to Tina, Dolly, Chris, and Pat. Rae was the proud mother of two children: Dominick, married to Roseanne, and Eda, married to Frank. Rae’s greatest joy came from her family, which blossomed to include six grandchildren, all happily married and engaged: Kristine & Eric, Alyssa & Mike, Joseph & Elena, Dominique & Gerard, Frankie & Katie, and Vanessa & Gennaro. She was also blessed with three precious great-grandchildren—Pearce, Giovanna, and Vito. Rae’s remarkable 100 years were a testament to love, strength and family. Her warmth, humor, kindness, and unwavering devotion will forever be remembered and cherished by all who were blessed to know and love her.

Visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Tuesday, November 25, 2024 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her 10:30 AM Funeral Mass on Wednesday, November 26, 2024 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 16 McLean Street, Freehold Township. Entombment will follow in Holmdel Cemetery and Mausoleum, 900 Holmdel Road, Holmdel. For information, directions, or to leave condolence messages to the family, please visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com .