Grace De Maio

Grazia De Maio, a cherished soul known fondly as Grace to her friends and family, entered into eternal rest on June 15, 2025, after 92 years of a life well-lived and loved, her journey concluding peacefully due to natural causes in Manalapan, NJ. Born on June 29, 1932, in Brooklyn, NY, she was a beacon of unyielding love and faith. Grace was the beloved daughter of Nicolo and Maria Castrogiovanni and stood as the sixth sibling in a vibrant family of eleven. In her early years, the bustling streets of Brooklyn were her playground. Though she was predeceased by all her siblings – Mary, Connie, Frankie, Phil, Danny, Anthony (Duke), Anna, and Clara – and their spouses, in-laws, and her cherished four nephews, the legacy of their shared laughter and love endures. Her heart found its match in Alfred (Freddie) De Maio, to whom she was a devoted wife for fifty six years until his passing in 2016. Their love story, ripe with shared dreams and mutual respect, lives on through their children, Suzanne and Peter Fiorentino, Joseph and Risa De Maio, and Janet and Stephen Baran, and grandchildren Andrew (and his fiancée Alyssa), Brianna, Alyssa, Stephen, and Joseph – each a testament to Grace and Freddie's enduring affection and parenting. Grace's life was exemplified by her unwavering Catholic faith, which guided her through life's ups and downs and inspired her compassionate spirit. Her commitment to her religion was evident in her selflessness and love that she extended not only towards her family but everyone she met. She took care of her many siblings in their time of need. She was an avid reader, enjoyed cooking delicious meals for her family and reminiscing about her days growing up in Brooklyn on 21st Street. Grace's absence leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of her loving family, her sister-in-law Alba De Maio, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends. Yet, they take solace in the knowledge that her legacy of faith, love, and service will continue to shine through the lives of those she has influenced. In celebrating the life of Grace De Maio, we honor a woman of exceptional warmth and generosity, whose life stands as a profound testimony to the power of love and selflessness. She has returned to her Creator, but her spirit endures, a guiding light for all who had the privilege of knowing her. As we bid farewell to Grace, we find comfort in the belief that she is now singing with the angels in the presence of her Lord, her voice forever a melody of hope and devotion. In lieu of flowers the family asks to please consider making a donation in Grace's memory to Tunnels to Towers at www.t2t.org/donate or to the St Francis Breadline at https://give.stfrancisbreadline.org/page/137805/donate/1

Grace De Maio

June 29, 1932 - June 15, 2025