Obituary of Ann Bucci Donofrio

Rockaway Borough Ann Bucci Donofrio of Rockaway peacefully passed away on Monday September 8, 2014 at the home her husband built surrounded by her children, grandchildren. She was 85 years old. Her passing occurred on the day that would have been her predeceased husband Former Mayor Patrick A. Donofrio of Rockaway 89th birthday. Patrick preceded Ann in death on August 14, 2007. Ann was born in Dover in her parent’s home to Zeusi P. Bucci, a well-known local artist and Anna Falcione Bucci. She attended Dover High School. She graduated from Endicott College in Beverly, Massachusetts with a degree in Marketing. She was a Buyer in the Art/ Needlework Department for Hahnes& Co. Newark. Ann was an accomplished classical pianist who studied under the tutelage of Professor Joseph Rea. Ann was a soloist at Sacred Heart Church, Dover, when she was 9 years old, at Dover High School and Endicott College having two solos at graduation including Panis Angelicus and Ave Maria. She was a Sustaining Member of the Metropolitan Opera House. Ann and her husband owned a lakefront summer home on Lake Hopatcong in Mt Arlington and a family owned ice cream business at Bertrand Island Amusement Park. Ann loved sewing, knitting embroidery and crocheting. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and a fabulous cook and baker. Ann was known for her wonderful parties and talented entertaining. Her family was everything to her! For many years Ann and Patrick and her family volunteered at St. Paul’s Abbey in Newton for the Abbey’s Annual Christmas tree sale. She and her husband had the pleasure of traveling throughout Europe on a religious Pilgrimage. Patrick and Ann were married 55 wonderful years. They had five cherished children. Son Patrick J. Donofrio of Dover, two daughters Linda Donofrio Widuta and her husband Dr. Stephen of Denville, Nancy Donofrio Webster and her husband J. Brook of Brick, her twin’s sons Thomas A. Donofrio of Rockaway and his girlfriend Michele Neshem of Mt Arlington, and her beloved James E. Donofrio who predeceased her June 2011. Ann loved her seven precious grandchildren Christopher and Jennifer Widuta, Katelyn and Andrew Webster, and Daniel, Jonathan and Thomas Donofrio. She is survived by many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and her dear sisters-in-law Elnora Caballaro Bucci and Lucille Donofrio Struble. Her sister Marie Bucci Mile, two brothers, Anfione Charles Bucci and Americo Bucci, predeceases Ann. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Cecilia R.C. Church on Friday September 12, 2014 AT 10:30AM. Visitation will be held Thursday, September 11, 2014, 4 to 8pm at Tuttle Funeral Home, 272 State Route 10, Randolph (www.tuttlefh.com). Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Dover