Obituary of Antonia Russello

Antonia Mazzullo Russello, 87, of Howell passed away on Wednesday, November 29, 2017 at Raritan Bay Medical Center, Old Bridge.  Born in Giardini Naxos, Sicily, Italy, she came to the United States in 1952.   Antonia spent much of her life in Elizabeth and later moved to Howell in 1985.  Antonia was a seamstress for many years while living in Elizabeth and later worked for Foodtown in Howell in the Bakery Department.  She was actively involved with the Howell Township Senior Center for many years and a parishioner of the Church of St. Veronica.  Antonia was a member of the knitting group “Our Tangled Thread” and knitted items for many adults and children in need.  She loved spending time with her family and grandchildren, teaching them to cook old family recipes and sing Italian songs.   

Antonia was predeceased by her husband, Epifanio Russello; and her sister, Giovanna Mazzullo Ventigmilia.  She is survived by her daughter, Josephine Wixon of Howell; son, Thomas Russello and his wife, Kathleen of Freehold; three grandchildren, Nicole Burke and her husband, Glenn, Christina Wixon and Michelle Russello; great granddaughter, Riley Michelle Burke; and sister, Pancrazia “Nella” Villari of Giardini Naxos, Sicily, Italy.

Visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Friday, December 1, 2017 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 PM.  Relatives and friends are invited to gather at 8:15 AM on Saturday, December 2, 2017 for the procession to her 9:30 AM Funeral Mass at the Church of St. Veronica, 4215 Route 9 North, Howell.  Entombment will follow in Holmdel Cemetery, Holmdel.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Antonia’s name may be made to the American Kidney Fund, 11921 Rockville Pike, Suite 300, Rockville, MD 20852.  For information, directions or condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com