Jeanette Reale

Jeanette Marie Reale, 71, a recent resident of Manalapan, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 12, 2024. Jeannette was born in Brooklyn, New York on June 18, 1952 to the late Alice and Raphael Zurlo. Jeanette was the third child and first daughter for the family as she was welcomed by her older brothers Ralph and Robert and soon to be joined by Debra Ann, to round out their family. Jeanette was raised in the Bensonhurst section of Brooklyn where she was in no short supply of her extended family. She grew up amidst the warmth of two aunts, two uncles, their spouses, and eleven cousins, fostering a tight-knit community. In 1970, Jeanette graduated from Lafayette High School in Brooklyn, where she not only received her diploma, but met a young man from the neighborhood. Despite initial reluctance, this young mans persistence was rewarded. After their first date, a movie, Jeanette and John would never look back as they embarked on their journey of love as they were married in 1973. Upon their marriage, their first residence would find Jeanette moving from 20 Bay 10th Street in Brooklyn, New York to the far and distant lands of 22 Bay 10th Street next door to Jeanette's parents, the house where she grew up. In 1976, they welcomed their first child, John Jr. It has been said that John Jr. was such a delightful baby that her mother Alice told her that she was not sure she would be able to help her if they had another child. The family relocated to Staten Island in July 1977, settling in the burgeoning Eltingville section, where they established deep roots. Jeanette's brother, Ralph 'Buddy' Zurlo, played a pivotal role in their new chapter, having developed the very neighborhood they called home. This would be their home for the next 46 years where they were blessed with wonderful neighbors and a lifetime of memories. Later that year, in September 1977, Jeanette and John would grow their family welcoming their daughter Allison who would become the first granddaughter to the family. Jeanette would primarily take care of the children while John would work in New York City. John Jr. and Allison were extremely fortunate of this decision as Jeanette was very active in their lives. As a mother, Jeanette consistently encouraged them to be active learners, try new things and cultivate their core values which was very influenced by their faith. Jeannette and John found a community as part of the Parish of The Holy Child Church not far from their home. Jeanette was a constant volunteer including their variety shows and CCD program. Later on in life both Jeanette and John would volunteer with the Church's adoration group. Through their active membership in the church, they met and developed lifelong friendships. They were fortunate that friends from their childhood in Brooklyn, like Linda and Mike Caserta, and Maryanne and Tommy Saporita, would not only move to Eltingville or neighboring sections of Staten Island, but would also be active members at Holy Child. These friendships were more like family. Beyond the dinners or vacations together, these friends experienced all facets of life together through their active friendships. As John Jr. and Allison were getting older, they obviously proved the joys of parenthood were so fulfilling that John and Jeanette sought out to grow their family. In August 1986, they were blessed with their third child, Brian who they all affectionately called, Baby Boy. Beyond welcoming Brian to the family and neighborhood, Jeanette would see her parents move around the corner from her family in 1987. Alice and Ralph Zurlo purchased their home, also built by their son, Buddy. This proximity not only enriched Jeanette's life as she cared for her aging parents, but also provided invaluable and lasting experiences for her children with their grandparents. As John Jr. and Allison grew older and went off to college, Jeanette's nurturing spirit extended beyond her own family as she devoted a decade to working as a school aide in Staten Island schools, where she found immense joy in supporting young children. Upon retiring, Jeanette cherished her role as a grandmother, delighting in every moment spent with her grandchildren. She poured her love into creating cherished memories, particularly during festive occasions like Halloween, where her knack for creating and wearing costumes allowed her to connect so closely with children. There was no better clown than 'DeeDee the Clown' and we looked forward to her appearance annually. Jeanette welcomed retirement where she would actively seek any-and-all opportunities to spend time with her grandchildren. At the time, Ellyanna Grace and Amelia 'Milly' Rose were young girls, while Juliana Vera and Evelyn Jane were recently born. She also embraced the opportunity to spend time with the children of her nephew Anthony Neglia, and his wife Kim, and their sons Dylan, Devin and Alex; and her niece Teresa and her daughters Gia and Mia, acting as a bonus grandparent to them. To state that Jeanette prioritized spending time with her family would be an understatement. She fully embraced being a grandmother where she simply could not spend enough time with her grandchildren. Jeanette would seek to create experiences with her grandchildren. The memories that best stand out are those of Halloween or whenever Jeanette would decide to make an occasion like Halloween. Perhaps what Jeanette really understood well was how to connect with the kids and celebrate moments. In 2010, Jeanette bravely faced a diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease, supported unwaveringly by her devoted husband, John. Together, they navigated the challenges posed by the illness, participating in clinical trials with hope for advancements in treatment both for her and for others in the future. After 47 years in their Staten Island home, where they created a lifetime of memories, John and Jeanette embarked on a new chapter in Manalapan, New Jersey, drawing closer to their son Brian, his wife Tara, and their three children, continuing their tradition of prioritizing family. Jeanette's lasting legacy of love, faith and values will endure through the lives she touched, leaving an indelible mark on her family, friends and community. Jeanette is survived by her beloved husband of 50 years, John; her loving children, John Jr. and his wife Kim of Houston, Texas, Allison and her husband Dennis Convery of Eastchester, New York, and Brian and his wife Tara or Manalapan, New Jersey;her sister and lifelong friend Debra Ann and her husband Anthony Neglia of Staten Island, New York, and her caring sister Phyllis Reale of Staten Island, New York, and by her cherished grandchildren. Jeanette had six grandchildren which she loved beyond words. Ellyana Grace (15), Amelia 'Milly' Rose (11), Juliana Vera (six), Evelyn Jane (six), Lucas John (four), and Lilian Maeve (one) Friends are invited to pay their respects on Monday, April 15, 2024 from 2pm to 4pm eastern and 6pm to 9pm eastern at Michel Hegarty & John Vincent Scalia Home from Funerals and Cremation Service, 3377 US Highway 9, Old Bridge, New Jersey. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at 10am eastern at The Church of the Holy Child located at 4747 Amboy Road, Staten Island, New York, 10312 followed by interment at Resurrection Cemetery, Staten Island, New York. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests donations in Jeanette's memory be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. https://give.michaeljfox.org/ Online condolences may be made to the family at www.HegartyScaliaFuneralHome.com

Jeanette Reale

June 18, 1952 - April 12, 2024