Obituary of Marie M. Gentempo

Marie M. Gentempo , 73 of Hackensack, NJ passed away after a long illness on Friday, June 16th, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength and cherished memories. Born in Newark to the late Joseph Gentempo and the late Mary (Penque) Gentempo, she was raised in a close-knit neighborhood surrounded by beautiful family who shaped her life. After graduating high school, she moved to Hackensack with her parents where she lived her entire life. She attended college at Fairleigh Dickinson University and later worked in the credit department and accounting in various local companies including Ohrbach's and AGFA. She had her own business as a chocolatier and especially enjoyed making chocolate character treats for children and special occasions. In later years, her love of children brought her to work as a teacher's aide for special education children. However, the main focus of her life was her family. Living next door to her grandmother in Hackensack, she saw her aunts, uncles and cousins on a daily basis. They shared many Sunday meals, holidays and memories together. Holidays were an important part of Marie's life, and she enjoyed shopping, decorating, hosting, celebrating and gathering family members together. Marie was an especially talented chocolatier with many other artistic abilities, an avid reader with an extensive literature library, and a world traveler who was a lifelong learner. She loved spending time at the Jersey Shore, attending concerts and sporting events with friends and family, and watching movies. She loved to laugh; she had a great personality and sense of humor that always put others at ease. She was a parishioner of Holy Trinity Parish in Hackensack. Marie always put others first and helped without expecting anything in return. Her selfless example left a lasting impression on those who knew her. She lived an extraordinary life surrounded by people who adored her. She is predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Marie Gentempo and many beloved aunts, uncles and cousins. She is survived by her dear uncles John Calandrillo and George Dante; her cousins Helen Yacullo (Frank), Mary Lentini (Joseph), Edward Jones (AnnMarie), Maryann Kurus, Rosemary Megariotis, David Penque (Patricia), Scott Penque, Vickie Park (Bill), John Calandrillo (Linda), Todd Calandrillo (Rute), Kim Meyer (Fred), George Dante (Heidi); her cousins' children, who she cherished, and her dear friends and neighbors Evelyn Rudnicki, Maryann Gleason, Joyce Junda, David and Joan Gaige, and many other special friends and family members. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Trinity R.C. Church, 34 Maple Ave, Hackensack, on Wednesday, June 28, at 10:00 AM, burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington. Arrangements conducted by G. Thomas Gentile Funeral Home, 397 Union Street, Hackensack. To send condolences, directions, or for further information visit www.gentilefuneralservice.com