Madeline D. Santella

Obituary

Madeline D. Santella, 96, of Cliffwood, New Jersey, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, April 5, 2022.  She was born Madeline D. Forte on June 11, 1925, in Brooklyn, New York, where she grew up and met her beloved husband, James.   They were married on June 15, 1946, and began their life together in Brooklyn, where they remained to raise their family, until the early 1990’s when they moved to Freehold, New Jersey.  About three years ago, Madeline settled in Cliffwood.  Before her move to New Jersey and her retirement, Madeline was the superintendent for Washington Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York for over 30 years.

In Madeline’s spare time, she enjoyed shopping, especially for shoes, and taking long walks around the mall.  She was fondly known as “GG” and “Sarge” by her family and friends.  She adored her grandchildren, especially her great grandsons, whom she loved spending time with.  Most of all, Madeline was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to many.  She will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

She was predeceased by her parents, Salvatore and Antonia (Alianiello) Forte, her dear sisters, Rose Phelan, Ann Tripp, and Eleanor Raven, and her beloved husband, James J. Santella Sr.  Madeline is survived by her loving son, James J. Santella Jr. and his wife, Gina, her adoring granddaughters, Darci Santella, and Lauren Orr and her husband, Nick, her cherished great grandsons, Matthew and Jackson, and.  Madeline also leaves behind her niece, Dolores, along with many more treasured nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends.

Family and friends are invited to visit on Friday, April 8, 2022, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and 7:00 to 9:00 PM and Saturday morning, April 9, 2022, from 8:30 to 9:15 AM at Shore Point Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 3269 State Highway/Route 35 North, Hazlet, New Jersey 07730.  Repass will be held on Friday, April 8, 2022 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at American Legion #23, 81 West Front Street, Keyport, New Jersey, 07735. All are welcome to attend. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday morning, April 9, 2022, at 10:00 AM at St. Benedict Roman Catholic Church, 165 Bethany Road, Holmdel, New Jersey 07733.  Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, 361 Sharrott Avenue, Staten Island, New York 10309.  In lieu of flowers, donations in loving memory of Madeline may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.  For information, directions, or to send condolences to the family, please visit, www.shorepointfh.com.