Obituary of Judith H. Matarazzo

Judith H. Matarazzo, of Rockaway, passed away at St. Clare’s Hospital on December 31, 2025. She was 76. Born in East Orange, Judi grew up in Whippany and lived in Rockaway for over 35 years. She graduated from Hanover Park High School in 1967 and attended Montclair State University. Judi worked at Chase Bank in Millburn and Morristown, NJ as an Administrative Assistant and Financial Planner.

Judi was an artist in every sense of the word. Her works of art included designing and making quilts, pillows, Christmas ornaments, framed pressed flowers and drawing. However, she was best known for the hand-crafted, intricate eggs she created and sold for many years in and around the Tri-state area. Her creativity and attention-to-detail was evident in every aspect of her life.

Judi was a devout Christian who lived everyday of her life according to her faith and was such a bright light and wonderful example to all her knew her. She was a long-time member of the Garden Chapel in Dover and served as an Elder, Deacon and Treasurer. More recently, she had joined Green Pond Bible Chapel and enjoyed Care Group and working with the Girl’s Club. Judi was a life-long giver and was always willing to help anyone in need. Animals were always a very important part of her life and she rescued many loving dogs and cats over the years that brought so much joy. She was a true lover of nature that included All Creatures Great and Small. Judi was an avid reader and truly loved her books. She enjoyed gardening and flowers as well as an abundant vegetable garden.

Judi is survived by her loving husband Pat Matarazzo for over 51 years and their son John Matarazzo of Redondo Beach, CA, her sisters Debbie Cramer and Lynne Stagg both of Rockaway and her nephews, Gary Smolaga, and Dave and Brian Stagg.

A devoted wife, Mom, sister, mentor and friend to so many, Judi’s life was marked by her kind, loving and compassionate heart, her faith and selfless service. Her legacy will continue to inspire and live on through all who knew her, and above all, the family she cherished and loved so deeply. 

A Memorial Service will be held at Green Pond Bible Chapel, 1083 Green Pond Rd., Newfoundland, NJ on January 24th at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may contribute in her memory to either the The Garden Chapel, 89 Washington Ave., Dover, NJ 07801, Green Pond Bible Chapel (address listed above), Pets Alive, 363 Derby Rd., Middletown, NY 10940, or The Interfaith Food Pantry, 2 Executive Dr., Morris Plains, NJ 07950.