Obituary of Teresa Vero Castelluccio

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Teresa Vero Castelluccio, who left us on December 2, 2024, surrounded by her family. She was 92 years old and lived a life full of precious memories, love, and laughter.

Born in Palo del Colle, a small town in the Puglia region of Italy, Teresa was one of six children born to Marco Vero and Sabina Panzarino. Raised in a close-knit family where love and laughter filled their home, she learned the importance of the family bond and tradition at an early age—values she carried with her throughout her life.

It was in Palo del Colle that Teresa met her beloved husband, Leonzio Castelluccio, when he was stationed for his military service in her hometown and fell in love with her at first sight. On July 2nd, 1951, they were married. Together, they shared a bond that spanned decades and was built on mutual respect, affection, and a shared love for their family. In 1968, Teresa and her family moved to America, settling in Paterson, New Jersey, where they would create a home full of warmth and joy for years to come.

Teresa was the heart and soul of her family. A loving wife, devoted mother, proud grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished friend, she poured her heart into everything she did and touched the lives of everyone who knew her. Teresa was hardworking, funny, an incredible story teller, and in particular an exceptionally gifted cook. Her meals were legendary, with her eggplant parmigiana standing out as a family favorite. She took immense pride in nurturing those she loved through food, and her kitchen was always filled with the delicious aromas of meals prepared with love and care. To Teresa, feeding her family was one of life’s greatest joys.

Her honesty and candidness, a reflection of her maiden name Vero (meaning truth), was another hallmark of her vibrant personality. She was never shy to voice her thoughts, but her outspoken nature always came from a place of love. She was as passionate as she was direct, and those who knew her cherished her genuine spirit.

Teresa’s home was always a place of comfort, a place where friends and family gathered with ease. Her meticulous attention to detail made her house sparkle, and she took great pride in keeping it clean and organized, ensuring that everyone who walked through her door felt welcome. With a heart of gold, she opened her home to all, offering a warm meal, a listening ear, and her unforgettable sense of humor.

Fashionable and elegant, Teresa was always impeccably dressed, exuding a radiance that matched her inner beauty. She was a woman who believed in the power of family, laughter, and love—and she instilled these values in her children, grandchildren, and everyone she met.

Though she has left us, we take comfort in knowing that she is reunited in paradise with those who came before her; her beloved husband of 65 years, Leonzio, her parents, Marco and Sabina, as well as her two siblings, Antonia and Federico, and many other family members.

Teresa’s values and spirit of kindness lives on through her family. Teresa is survived by her children—Ines Castelluccio Gillen (and husband Charles), Antonio Castelluccio (and wife Deborah), Marco Castelluccio (and wife Patricia), Federico Castelluccio (and wife Yvonne), her grandchildren—David Gillen, Mia Sabina Castelluccio, Stefan Gillen (and wife Minal), Lisa Grace Castelluccio, Daniela Pallein (and husband Robert), her great grandchildren—Antonio Sparks, Lindsey Sparks, Milo Gillen, her siblings—Grace Pallotta, Dora Cutrone, Ugo Vero (and wife Lina), and her nieces and nephews—Deborah Vero, Linda Pallotta, and Joseph, Marco, Anthony, John, and Angelo Cutrone.

Teresa leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering devotion to her family. If you would like to continue her memory in your own way, please consider making a charitable contribution to the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Foundation. Memorial donations can be made via www.inmemof.org.

Hours of public visitation for Teresa will be held on Friday, December 6^th, from 4 to 8 PM at Norman Dean Home for Services 16 Righter Avenue Denville, NJ 07834. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, December 7^th, at 10 AM at St. Mary’s Church of Denville, followed by a procession to Denville Cemetery for a graveside service. Please join us to commemorate the life of this incredible woman, and please take this time to share a memory, write a condolence, or light a candle to continue to let Teresa’s light shine.