Obituary of Fay D Tomaino

Filippa “Fay” Tomaino (nee Dolisi), 96, of Randolph NJ passed away peacefully at her home on April 23, 2023. 

Born April 10th 1927 in Newark to Filippa and Vincenzo Dolisi. She was the youngest of 11 children (10 girls and 1 boy).  Fay grew up in Newark and attended Westside High School. She worked as a switchboard operator for The Bell Telephone Company. Her life was forever changed when her friend introduced her to a handsome sailor from Hackettstown NJ who had just returned from serving in the Navy in WWII. The city girl fell in love with the country boy and they were married in 1948 at St. Rocco’s Church in Newark. They shared 69 wonderful years together as husband and wife until he passed away in 2018.

Fay and Frank moved to Randolph in 1952. In their early years, they devoted much of their time to the local community. She was a county committee member and founder member of the Young Republican Club of Morris County.  

They owned and operated several local businesses in Randolph, including Frank’s barbershop, The Hair Loft Beauty Salon, Francesco’s Restaurant and the Mt. Freedom Sports Pub.

Fay was a devoted wife to Frank and loving mother to her five children Mary Grace Granito and husband Jim Butler (deceased) of Hilton Head Island, Frank J. Tomaino, Jr. and wife Leah of Randolph, Robert Tomaino and wife Apryl of Randolph, Susan Graziani and husband Theodore of Roxbury and Joseph Tomaino and wife Mary of Randolph.  She was blessed with 12 grandchildren (Jeff, Francesca, T.J., Marcus, Stephen, Rachel, Matthew, Deanna, Jason, Joseph, Henry and Nicolina) and 6 great grandchildren (Jordan, Julianne, Gino, Angelina, Thomas and Santino).

When it came to her family, no sacrifice was too great. She gave her time willingly to help – whether it was giving advice, preparing food or babysitting, she was the definition of selfless.

Fay was an amazing cook who loved making and sharing great meals with family and friends. Sunday dinners with gravy and her signature meatballs were a weekly tradition. It was her way of bringing family together and sharing stories about our heritage. And while cooking was her joy and Sunday dinners were amazing, her true gift was how she could make others feel special and loved.  She saw the good in everyone.

Fay has been a member of Resurrection Parish in Randolph since it was founded in 1978. She had a strong faith in God, which she passed along to her family.

After retirement, Fay and Frank became “Snow Birds” and spent winters at their second residence in Florida where they enjoyed their golden years. 

Visitation Friday, April 28, 2023 3:30PM – 7:30PM at Resurrection Parish, 651 Millbrook Avenue, Randolph, NJ.

Funeral Mass Saturday, April 29, 2018, 10:00 AM also at Resurrection Parish.

Interment immediately following funeral mass at Holy Rood Cemetery, 61 Whippany Road, Morristown, NJ.

All arrangements by Tuttle Funeral Home (www.tuttlefh.com).

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her honor to: Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust, 3725 Alexandria Place, Cold Spring, KY 41076 or a charity of your choice.