Obituary of Antonia Crescente

Antonia Crescente, 90, of Freehold Township passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 6, 2025 at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune.  Antonia was born and raised in Barletta, Province of Bari, Italy.  In 1951, she immigrated to the United States and settled in Brooklyn, New York.  She later lived in Rumson before making Freehold her home in 2008.

Together with her husband, Antonio, Antonia owned and operated Bartletta Fashions in Brooklyn (formerly known as Ninette Fashions) before retiring in the late 1990s. A true fashion enthusiast, she studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City and kept up with the latest trends through her beloved fashion magazines.  She was also a talented seamstress who lovingly crafted clothing for her children.

A woman of deep faith, Antonia was a former parishioner of The Parish of Saint Mary in Colts Neck.  She found joy in life’s simple pleasures, whether it was watching her favorite TV shows or scratching off lottery tickets.

Antonia and Antonio enjoyed their years as snowbirds, spending time at their home in New Port Richey, Florida. Passionate travelers, they explored many parts of the world together.

Above all, Antonia was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a cherished grandmother and great-grandmother.

Antonia was predeceased by her husband, Antonio and two brothers, Donato and Giuseppe.  She is survived by her children, Loreta Youssef and her husband, Magdi H., Grace Crosby and her husband, Paul S. and Frank Crescente; six grandchildren, Hakim T. Youssef, Magdi A. Youssef and his wife, Sara, Antun M. Youssef and his wife, Margaret, Jennifer Boodey and her husband, Anders, Paul Michael Crosby and his wife, Ashley, and Emily Antonette Crosby; five great grandchildren, Maya, Isaac, Tessa, Nolan, and Emmett; a sister, Mary Rizzi; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Thursday, April 10, 2025 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM.  Relatives and friends may gather at the funeral home on Friday, April 11, 2025 at 9:30 AM for the procession to her 10:30 AM Funeral Mass at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 16 McLean Street, Freehold.  Entombment will follow in Woodbridge Memorial Gardens, 1098 Woodbridge Center Drive, Woodbridge.  For those who desire, memorial contributions may be made to The Eternal Word Television Network, 5817 Old Leeds Road, Irondale, AL 35210 of HERE.  For information, directions or condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.