Obituary of Stefana Cottone

In Loving Memory of Stefana DiGanci Cottone

Stefana Cottone, age 95, of Freehold Township, peacefully passed away at her residence, surrounded by her loving family, on Friday, January 9, 2026.

Born in Ancona, Italy and raised in Rome, Stefana immigrated to the United States in 1958, beginning a new chapter of her life. She first settled on Long Island, then made her home in Brooklyn for 47 years. Throughout her career, Stefana served as the office manager for Local #1175, Material Yard Workers. Her love for family often brought her back to Rome for visits over the years. In 2023, Stefana moved to Freehold Township to live with her daughter, embracing this new transition with the same spirit she brought to all her journeys.

Stefana had a deep appreciation for travel, exploring destinations across Europe and Russia, and she often drew inspiration for her self-taught artistry working in oil on canvas from her adventures abroad. Antiquing was another of her joys, reflecting her keen eye for beauty and history. A woman of steadfast faith, she was a devoted parishioner of both Good Shepherd Catholic Church and St. Athanasius Roman Catholic Church in Brooklyn. Above all, Stefana was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and an adoring grandmother, affectionately called "Mamma Ste" by her family.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Vincenzo Cottone, and her sister, Rosalia Cicchetti. Stefana is survived by her 2 daughters and sons-in-law, her 7 grandchildren, thirteen cherished great-grandchildren, one great-great-granddaughter, her sister, her brother-in-law, and many loving nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, from 3:00 to 7:00 PM. Relatives and friends are invited to gather at the funeral home on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 9:15 AM, followed by a procession to her Funeral Mass at 10:30 AM at St. Gabriel’s Historical Church, 549 Route 520, Marlboro. Entombment will follow at St. Gabriel’s Cemetery & Chapel Mausoleum. For those who wish, memorial contributions in Stefana’s name may be made to the National Shrine of Divine Mercy, 2 Prospect Hill Road, Stockbridge, MA 01262, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. For information, directions, or to leave condolences for the family, please visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.