Obituary of Mary J Iorlano

Mary Josephine (Fanelli) Iorlano , of Ridgefield Park , passed away peacefully in her home on October 14th , 2024, surrounded by her loved ones.

Mary Josephine was born on February 19, 1936 in Jersey City. Her mother Loreta Galulla and father Donato Fanelli moved to Hoboken where she was raised along with her siblings Anna Pascarello, Loretta Labriola,  and Dr. Donald Fanelli and wife Donna. She attended Demarest High School in Hoboken where she met the love of her life, Rocco Iorlano. They went on to build a beautiful life together , recently celebrating 64 years of marriage. Mary attended secretarial school right out of high-school before working in the banking industry in New York City for several years. She left her job in the city to start a family with Rocco, welcoming her first daughter Mary Jo  followed by Roxanne three years later. 

 Mary was a devoted and loving mother who instilled the importance of being there for one another in her daughters. Her love for her grandchildren (Jenna and husband Scott Millar, James Shanahan, Nikki Frattolillo, Patrick Shanahan and wife Michelle, and Christopher) was undeniable. Her pride and joy will always be her great-grandchildren Avery Josephine, Madison Mae, Brynn Paisley, and Emilia Layne. 

Mary instilled the importance of time with family, holding on to traditions, and having faith in God. To know her was to love her. Her stories and memories will live on forever though she will be missed. May our angel watch over and protect us until we meet again. 

Mary will be laid to rest Wednesday, October 16 at  Holy Cross Mausoleum, North Arlington, Visitation at St.Francis RC Church in Ridgefield Park 9am-10am A mass will follow at 10 am.  in honor of her life. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital 501 St. Jude Pl. Memphis, TN 38105-9959 in her memory.