Marcella Cucolo's Obituary
On Sunday, January 24, 2021, Marcella Cucolo of Fort Myers, Florida, loving mother and amazing Nonna, passed away peacefully at the age of 78.
Marcella was born in Pietrastornina, Italy, and immigrated to the United States when she was a teenager. She lived in Staten Island, NY, and eventually moved to Toms River, NJ, where she raised her 4 children. Marcella’s door was always open, and there was always room at her table. She could make the most delicious meals with just a few ingredients, and showed her love through cooking. She loved chocolate ice cream with black cherries and wet walnuts, as well as banana splits at the Love Boat. She also had the “greenest” thumb. Her gardens were always spectacular and colorful.
Marcella was a dedicated mother first and foremost. She treasured her children and embraced every moment with them. She especially loved her role as Nonna to George, Sophia, Lorenzo, Isabella, Abigail, John Wyatt, and Noah. They were her greatest joy. She loved staying connected with them through daily text messages and GIFs. The grandchildren affectionately referred to Marcella as “Teenage Nonna” because her phone was always in her hand. She was incredibly proud of her grandchildren. They were her heart. She was a truly remarkable and strong woman, with a beautiful smile, sparkly green eyes, and a zest for life.
Marcella cared deeply about helping others, and was able to do so on a daily basis while working with the Ocean Country Human Services Department from 1983 until she retired in 2006. As Director, Marcella played an integral role in implementing programs that benefitted the residents of Ocean County. Her accountabilities included oversight of the REACH Program for Welfare Reform, Human Services Advisory Council, the Workforce Investment Board, the Office for the Disabled, the Commission on the Status of Women, and the Mental Health Board.
Marcella is survived by her devoted children: son Patrick DeRosa of Fort Myers, Florida, daughter Randilyn and husband George Williams of Belmar, New Jersey, daughter Stephanie DeRosa-Bedore of Howell, New Jersey, and daughter Alyssa and husband John Cuttrell of Middletown, New Jersey; by her cherished grandchildren: George, Sophia, Lorenzo, Isabella, Abigail, John Wyatt, and Noah; and by her sister Susan, brother-in-law Tony, brother Anthony, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A celebration of Marcella’s life will be held during the summer of 2021.
A scholarship is being established in Marcella’s honor at Ocean County College. Donations can be made online at https://www.ocean.edu/donate (please indicate that the gift is in memory of Marcella Cucolo), or via mail to Ocean County College, 1 College Drive, PO Box 2001, Toms River, NJ 08754-2001 (please indicate in the check memo line that the gift is in memory of Marcella Cucolo).
To share a story or photo, leave a tribute or to offer condolences to the family at this difficult time, please visit Marcella's memorial webpage located at www.fotmyersmemorial.com and sign her guestbook.
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