Obituary of Mary J. Puglisi

Mary J. Puglisi, 93, of Howell passed away on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. She was born in Monte De Procida, Italy and came to the United States at the age of 4 in 1936. Mary lived in Brooklyn, NY and later Millstone, NJ, where her family operated a vegetable farm. Upon marrying her husband, Emanuel, in 1954 they settled in Howell, NJ. Together, Mary and Emanuel, operated Puglisi Egg Farms for over 30 years. For many years, Mary was the New Jersey State Poultry Association Treasurer.

For 35 years Mary and Emanuel lived in Marco Island, FL and returned to New Jersey for the summers. In Florida they enjoyed boating, fishing, the Italian American Club, the Fishing and Rod Club and volunteering at the St. Vincent De Paul Society.

She had a passion for Italian cooking and would often host holidays. Mary could whip up a meal for anyone on a moment’s notice.

Mary attended St. Veronica Church as well as St. William The Abbot Church. After daily Mass she would often start the praying of the Rosary with her friends. She was also an Apostle with the Sisters of the Resurrection.

Above all, Mary was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. She will be missed by all who know her.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Emanuel, parents Michele and Filomena Scotto, brothers Frank, Dominick and Anthony. Mary is survived by her sons, John and his wife, Ruth, Michael and his wife, Karen, Paul and his wife, Ann Marie, 10 grandchildren, Nicole(James), Christopher, Vincent(Marisa), Matthew, Joseph, Emanuel(Jill), Thomas(Rebecca), Michael(Jazmin) Anthony(Ashley) and Dina(Sean). 10 great grandchildren, Wyatt, Maya, Lilia, Kenneth, Michael Jr., Madelena, Maren, Anabella, Gabriella and Nathaniel. Also, many loving nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Friday, September 5, 2025 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her 11:00 AM Funeral Mass at St. William the Abbot Church, 2740 Lakewood-Allenwood Road, Howell on Saturday, September 6, 2025. Entombment will follow in St. Mary of the Lake Cemetery, 1 Honey Locust Road, Lakewood. For those who desire, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. For information, directions, or to leave condolence messages to the family, please visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com