Nancy (nee Maldonato) Florio passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, August 13. She was 93.
Nancy was born Fortunata Nunziata Maldonato in 1931 to Jenny (nee Scala, from Vico Eguensa-Massaguana, Naples, Italy) and Orazio Maldonato (born in Messina, Sicily, Italy). She was a devoted daughter who lovingly spoke of her parents throughout her life.
Nancy grew up in Bergenfield, NJ on Home Place with her four siblings, next to the Red and Tan Bus Line, for which her father worked. She graduated from Bergenfield High School in 1949.
While at best friend Jeanne’s party, she met her future husband Kenneth. They married in 1956 and made their first homes in Fairlawn and Bergenfield, before moving to Dumont in 1964, where they raised their five children and hosted many pool parties, Sunday dinners, and holiday celebrations.
Nancy was predeceased by her brothers Tony and Frank, and her sister Felicia. She is survived by her brother Joe and wife Jane Maldonato, sister-in-law Louise Maldonato, and brother-in-law James and wife Linda Florio.
Nancy was the devoted mother of Nancy Anne (Florio) and husband Martin Smith, Kathy Florio and partner Joe Shannon, Mary (Florio) and husband Joe Marsigliano, Kenny and wife Tiffany Florio, and Tom and wife Aileen Florio. She was the adoring grandmother of Ryan Smith and partner Kathryn Zander, Samantha (Smith) and husband Eric Nelson, Danny Smith, Jillian (Marsigliano) and husband Chris Clark, Matthew Marsigliano, Madeline Florio and Luke Florio, and loving great-grandmother of Maggie Ryan Nelson. Nancy also cherished the time she spent with her many nieces and nephews and their families. Her family was her greatest joy.
Nancy was a faithful member of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Dumont where she served many roles including Eucharistic Minister, Lector, and Food Pantry volunteer. She and her husband enjoyed many trips to Florida, where they visited family and friends. She worked at Parents magazine and volunteered at Pascack Valley Medical Center for many years.
Nancy enjoyed Errol Flynn movies, listening to Frankie Laine, playing cards, watching “Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune”, and cheering for Aaron Judge and the New York Yankees.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at Frech-McKnight Funeral Home at 161 Washington Ave, Dumont, NJ on Thursday, August 15, from 4PM to 8PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Mary’s Church at 280 Washington Ave, Dumont, NJ on Friday, August 16 at 11AM followed by Interment at George Washington Memorial Park at 234 Paramus Road, Paramus, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Nancy’s honor. Donations can be made at www.stjude.org.