Theresa Chianese

Theresa (Benevento) Chianese of Middletown departed from us on May 15, 2026. Born in Staten Island, NY, to parents Felicia Passarella and Anthony Benevento, Teri spent her childhood in Daytona Beach, FL where she was proud of her father's career as a restaurateur. Her family returned to Staten Island where she later began life with her beloved husband, Ralph. Before starting her family Teri had a thriving career at a brokerage firm in New York City, where she showcased her natural ability with numbers. Teri, Ralph and Vanessa moved to Chicago, IL, where Christofer was born and they eventually settled in Hazlet. For the latter part of her life she enjoyed residing in Middletown close to family and friends.

Teri valued family and created beautiful memories that live on through her devoted children, Vanessa and Tom O’Brien and Christofer Chianese. She adored her grandchildren Anthony Rocco Chianese, Avery Granata, Emerson Granata, Colin O'Brien, and Charlotte O'Brien, who filled her heart with the greatest joys. She enjoyed nothing more than spoiling them and proudly watching them grow and chase their dreams. For Teri, being a mother and grandmother reflected the beauty of her selflessness and the generosity of her soul. All of her family felt special, heard, and loved by the warmth she radiated every day.

Teri cherished the lasting and beautiful relationship she had with her sisters, Barbara and Ann—a trio who took care of one other, traveled together to Florida, and hosted the best family gatherings. Raising their children together was one of her greatest pleasures in life.

She gracefully witnessed the passing of her parents Felicia and Anthony Benevento, her beloved in laws Olympia and Joseph Chianese, sister Ann Martin, sister-in-law Nancy Jones, brothers-in-law Anthony Chianese, Leonard Jones, Philip Giuca, and Joseph Martin, and her nephews, Joseph Anthony Chianese and Jeffrey Genovese. She carried the loss of her husband, Ralph Chianese since his passing in 2012. Teri and Ralph’s love story spanned over 35 years; he was her best friend and together they lived a life of love, happiness, and laughter.

Teri was impeccable in her style with understated elegance. She had a keen eye for fashion and details, and was always the first to offer help in organizing parties or events. She was known to enjoy reading the morning paper, a good cup of tea, anything dark chocolate, and was counted on to make the world's best chicken cutlets for her grandkids. Teri loved chatting with her best friends Rosalie, Diane and Isa as well as attending monthly lunches with her dear friends from the church. She was dignified and quiet, yet her strength and love were felt wherever she went. Teri was loved by all and her life was well lived. She knew the importance of creating memories that will live on in each of us.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 11:00 AM at St. Benedict Roman Catholic Church, 165 Bethany Road, Holmdel, New Jersey 07733.  Interment will be held privately following the mass from 12:00 to 12:30 PM at Fair View Cemetery, 456 State Highway 35, Middletown/Red Bank, New Jersey 07701.  

All are invited to attend a lunch to celebrate Teri immediately following the funeral at Trattoria Toscana, 1283 New Jersey Highway 35, Middletown, NJ 07748.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Theresa's name to the Liv Like A Unicorn foundation to help support children battling pediatric cancer.  To donate, please visit, www.livlikeaunicorn.org.  

For information, directions, or to send condolences to the family, please visit, www.shorepointfh.com.

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