Obituary of Mary Rea
Mary Rea (née-Falduto), age 103, of Boonton Township, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on September 19, 2025. Born on May 10, 1922, to Carmen and Carmella Falduto in Montville, she made her home in Boonton Township, enjoying a life filled with love, laughter and resilience.
She was predeceased by her loving husband of 56 years, Lorenzo Rea, as well as her brothers Anthony, Frank, James (John), David, and Gerald (Jerry), and sisters Nancy (Deodato), Jennie (Cullari), Rose (Cullari), Josephine (Juliano), and Margaret.
Mary was fiercely loyal and devoted to her family, as well as her many friends. She built lifelong bonds within the community she embraced. She had a fervent love for the New York Yankees, inherited from her husband. Her cooking was unrivaled, each dish prepared and served with love. Walking into her kitchen while she was creating one of her specialties emitted scents of warmth and comfort.
Mary was also a skilled knitter. After her retirement from Park Beauty Salon in Boonton, where she worked side by side with her sister Margaret for decades, Mary spent much of her time knitting hats for newborns at Saint Clare's Hospital in Denville. Each hat was lovingly crafted, many custom-made, and all sprinkled with her special touch. In recognition of her contributions, caring and kindness and impact on the community, the hospital honored Mary with a ceremony of gratitude.
Above all, Mary’s strong and unwavering faith guided her life. A devoted member of Saint Catherine of Siena Church in Mountain Lakes, she attended Mass faithfully and, once it became difficult to attend, she watched daily services on television—always careful not to miss a Yankees game.
She is survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, great-great-nieces and nephews, along with friends and neighbors whose lives she touched over generations. Her presence was a gift, her kindness a comfort. Mary gave freely of her heart and left an imprint that will never fade. Those who had the privilege of knowing her carry with them a piece of her spirit — a reminder of her goodness, compassion and strength.
A celebration of her vibrant and joy-filled life will be held at St. Catherine's Church, 10 N Pocono Rd, Mountain Lakes, NJ 07046 on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at 10:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity you hold close to your heart.
Mary will be dearly missed but forever remembered by her loved ones.