Maria Spalliero Nanna

Maria Spalliero Nanna, a true pillar of loyalty, love and generosity, passed away peacefully at her home on February 24, 2026, in Aberdeen, New Jersey. Born on March 8, 1950, in Maddaloni, province of Caserta, Italy, Maria's journey led her to the United States, where she and her family made their new home in Newark before settling in Hazlet, New Jersey. She embraced life with passion and incredible dedication, creating a legacy of warmth and culinary excellence that touched every person she met. She was also affectionately known as “baker extraordinaire".

Maria's life was one marked by devotion – to her family, and the family business. Predeceased by her loving parents, Giuseppe and Giuseppina (Pascarella) Spalliero; her incredibly loved brothers Antonio and Mario Spalliero; her cherished sister Angela Spalliero, and her dear nephews Joseph and Domenick Spalliero. Her sister-in-law Domenica Spalliero also preceded her in passing. Despite those traumatic losses, she continued to carry on their spirit of hard work and unwavering commitment.

Surviving Maria is her devoted husband of 56 years, Lou Nanna, who was the one and “only” true love of her life. Lou stood by her side through the many chapters of their life together. Her legacy continues through her loving daughter, Angela DiCostanzo, and her husband George of Holmdel, New Jersey, and her loving son, Lou Nanna, and his wife Sharon of Manalapan, New Jersey. Maria's life was further enriched by her beloved and cherished grandchildren – Giana and her spouse James, Gino, her namesake Maria, Antonio, Angelo, Antonia, Liliana, and Rosalie – who will carry forward her love and lessons. Her much loved and adored brother Vincenzo Spalliero and his wife, her sister in law Maria, another sister-in-law Maria Spalliero, and many special nephews, nieces, extended family, and life-long friends.

Maria's Catholic faith and devotion to St. Anthony, was the cornerstone of her existence, guiding her through life's challenges and celebrations. She was the infinite part of her family's business, where, alongside her parents and siblings, she helped to transform Tony's Italian American Restaurant into a beloved staple of Hazlet and Monmouth County. The establishment, which evolved into the Roman Inn and is now known as Yesterday's Restaurant, stands as a testament to her hard work.

Maria Spalliero Nanna, will be profoundly missed but the impact of her sacrificial love that she was known for in addition to her generational wisdom -a unique wisdom that was a result of the challenges she endured as an Italian immigrant - will continue to resonate through all whom were blessed to know her. As we bid farewell to this extraordinary woman, we celebrate the indelible mark she has left on our hearts and her restaurant community. Her beautiful memory will always serve as a source of comfort and inspiration.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Shore Point Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Inc., 3269 State Route/Highway 35 North, Hazlet, New Jersey 07730. All service were private. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on February 28, 2026, Saturday at 10:45 AM, at St. Benedict Catholic Church, 165 Bethany Road, Holmdel, New Jersey 07733. Interment followed at St. Joseph Cemetery 360 Broadway, Keyport, New Jersey 07735..