Obituary of Theresa Rose Onorati

Theresa Rose Inteli-Onorati

Theresa Rose Inteli-Onorati passed away peacefully at St. Clare’s Hospital in Denville, NJ on November 30th, 2023 at the age of 90. Theresa was predeceased by her parents, Thomas and Rose Inteli; her sister and brother-in-law, Josephine (JoJo) and Santiago; and her brother and sister-in-law, Thomas and Joan. Theresa is survived by her husband of 70 years, Paul Sr.; her beloved sons, Alfred and Paul Jr.; her daughters-in-law, Lisa and Regina; her brother and sister-in-law, Martin and Judy; her nieces, Michelle and Nancy; her great-niece, Jordan; her great-nephews, Tyler and Jake; her grandchildren, Angelique, Alfredo, Reginald, Kristen, “little” Paul, Jessica, and Joseph; and dear friend, Francine Nardone.

Theresa was born on October 1st, 1933 in Bloomfield, New Jersey to Rose D’Amico and Thomas Inteli. Theresa graduated Boonton High School in 1951. She married her high school sweetheart, Paul, on July 19th, 1953. Theresa and Paul lived in Fayetteville, North Carolina from 1954 to 1956, where she enjoyed watching thunderstorms on the porch and admiring the willow trees. Theresa and Paul then settled back in Boonton and welcomed their two children, Alfred and Paul Jr. Theresa took pride in the home she created for her family. She often enjoyed summer boating on Lake George, cross-country skiing with her husband in the Adirondacks, and cherishing the fall foliage from their home in Warrensburg, NY. Theresa and her husband also enjoyed exploring Ogunquit, ME and strolling the Marginal Way.

Theresa’s children remember her as a patient, loving mother who always put her family first. Her grandchildren and nieces remember her as a gentle soul who radiated unconditional love. She always opened her arms with joy when her grandchildren and nieces visited, perhaps with a mischievous prank or two. Her sweet smile and infectious laugh filled every room, as well as home-cooked meals and cups of tea that warmed everyone’s heart.

Theresa was passionate about her painting, cooking, and skills as a homemaker. She often played tennis and paddle with her friends at Park Lakes and badminton with her grandchildren. She was an avid walker, walking up and down the boulevard in Mountain Lakes. Theresa was a dedicated reader and life-long learner who enjoyed history, biology, and geography. She marveled at nature’s beauty and enjoyed bird-watching on Loon Lake (NY). She was a member of St. Catherine of Siena Church.   

A wake will be held on Wednesday, December 6th at 4pm at Dangler Lewis & Carey, 312 West Main St., Boonton, NJ 07005. The funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, December 7th at 10am at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 10 North Pocono Rd., Mountain Lakes, NJ 07046. Burial will take place after the funeral mass at St. Mary's cemetery on Wooton Street in Boonton. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Theresa’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center at https://www.sthuberts.org/donate , as Theresa was dedicated to donating annually to this cause due to her beloved cats, Bianco and Midnight.