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Marcella R. Marafioti
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Marcella Marafioti Obituary
Marcy was born in Rainelle, West Virginia, and has resided in Bayonne for many years. She was a homemaker. She was a member of the St. Vincent's Church Marion Group.
Marcella. Marcy. Midge. Honey. Mommy. Mom. Nanny.
She answered to many names, each one filled with love, each one reflecting the beautiful soul she was. She lived her life for others-with a quiet grace, never asking for recognition, only happy to help wherever she was needed. Whether it was cooking a warm meal, tending to an elderly neighbor's hair, or lending a hand at the local deli, she showed up-genuinely and generously.
She had a way of making every season special. Winter meant her famous Christmas cookies, fall brought her delicious zucchini bread, and spring and summer overflowed with fresh vegetables from her garden-always grown with love and shared with joy.
No matter the occasion-birthday, anniversary, holiday- you could count on her to be the first card in the mailbox or the first voice on the phone. Her love was never conditional, never reserved-she gave it freely, fully and without hesitation.
Her body may be at rest, but her spirit-her kindness, her warmth, her love-will live on in all of us. We carry her in our hearts, and in the small beautiful ways she taught us to care for each other.
She was and will always be our greatest gift.
Beloved Wife of Gerald Marafioti. Devoted Mother of Debbie Maggio (Sam), Gerald Marafioti II (Kathy), and Brian Marafioti (Carly). Adoring Grandmother of Christopher, Gerald III, Samantha, Vincent and Grace. Cherished Sister of Mary Baglin, Carol Keech, Edith "Toby" Sproles and the late Marshall Sanford, Ernest Sanford, Velma Vogue and Tyce Fleshman. Dear Sister-In-Law of Frances Venuto and Rose Cocco. She is also survived by many Nieces, Nephews, Great-Nieces and Nephews.
Viewing will be held on Friday, July 18th from 3 – 7 PM at the G. Keenen O'Brien Funeral Home, 984 Avenue C, Bayonne. A Funeral Mass will be offered on Saturday, July 19th at 10 AM at St. Vincent's Church. Entombment to follow, Holy Cross Chapel Mausoleum, North Arlington.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donations to: Make-A-Wish Foundation {envelopes will be provided at funeral home.}
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memorial Events
for Marcella Marafioti
Funeral services provided by:
G. Keenen O'Brien Funeral Home - Bayonne984 Avenue C , Bayonne, NJ 07002
Memories and Condolences
for Marcella Marafioti
Sponsored by The Family.
9 Entries
Glenn Greenblatt
July 16, 2025
We recently lost our dear family friend Marcella at the age of 80, and as we remember her, I find myself reflecting on the very beginning of our connection-a story that has stayed close to our hearts for over 45 years.
It started shortly after our first son Luke was born. We moved just six blocks away from our tiny, 3-room, 4th-floor walkup in Bayonne, NJ to a slightly bigger 4-room walkup apartment 6 blocks away, above a neighborhood candy store owned by Mickie. At the time, I was working as a laborer, loading trucks at the Texaco oil refinery under the Bayonne Bridge. Life was gritty, simple, and full of hope.
Mickie, with her generous spirit, offered my wife a part-time job helping out at the store from 3 to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Grateful for the opportunity, my wife asked Mickie´s daughter, Barbara, who she might trust to babysit our 3-year-old son during those hours. Without hesitation, Barbara suggested 12-year-old Debbie Marafioti.
My wife Colleen, called Debbie and then spoke with her mom, Marcella. Not long after, Debbie showed up at our apartment in her crisp Saint Vincent´s school uniform. That visit marked the beginning of something far greater than we ever expected.
Debbie would pick up our little boy and bring him to their home, where he would play for hours with Tonka trucks in the backyard alongside her younger brother Brian, always under Marcella´s watchful and loving eye. Our son was never just a babysitting job-he was embraced, protected, and treated like one of their own.
What started as a small favor from one neighbor to another blossomed into a lifelong bond, rooted in trust, kindness, and love. We didn´t know it then, but that simple gesture opened the door to a 45-year friendship with the Marafioti family-and especially Marcella-who would become woven into the fabric of our lives.
Her warmth, her generosity, and the way she made us feel like part of her family will never be forgotten. We are grateful beyond words for the love she shared and the memories we carry with us now.
Our deepest Sympathy,
Glenn and Colleen Greenblatt
Gregory Januska
July 16, 2025
Gerry and family,
So sorry for the loss of such a wonderful wife, mother. Nana.
I worked with Rav at the post office.
Good man
Joe Farley
July 16, 2025
Debbie and family so very sad of the loss of your beautiful mother. Growing up I only met her a few times and she couldn´t be more kinder may she now rest peacefully
Joe Farley and Family
Fr. Joe Barbone
July 16, 2025
Debbie & Family
My sincerest condolences on the death of your mom. May she rest in peace.
May you also find the same peace in the Lord and strength in one another.
I am unable to attend the wake or funeral because of church commitments here.
You will all be in my prayers at this difficult time.
Naomi and Anthony Iuliano
July 15, 2025
Mr. Marafioti, Debbie and family,
I´m so sorry for your loss. Mrs. Marafioti´s warmth, kindness, and smile will always be remembered. I hope you find comfort in the beautiful memories you shared with her. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Pat Kelly Fusiak
July 15, 2025
Mr Marafioti- Debbie and Family,
My sympathy goes out to all of the Marafioti Family.
She was a beautiful person to know, and always had that sweet smile whenever you saw her.
She will be missed, but just remember all the good times you and other friends
had with her, and she will live on in your hearts. Cherish all the wonderful memories.
Barbara & Lorraine
July 15, 2025
Marcella was such a good and loving friend to Lorraine and me and our family. We will truly miss her. Jerry and Marcella were so kind and wonderful.
Teddy Cocco
July 15, 2025
So very sorry to hear this news Brian. She was such a very very nice person, always welcoming and very friendly to our family. My thoughts and prayers are with her and your family. May she Rest In Peace , and again very sorry Brian.
Lorraine Hansen
July 15, 2025
Had the pleasure of knowing Marci and Gerald as class parents at St Vincents school
Always willing to lend a helping hand. Her smile will be missed
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