Maria Buonpane
Maria (Chierchia) Buonpane, 72, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2025, surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous journey.
Born in Naples, Italy, to the late Luigi and Clotilde (Fattorusso) Chierchia, Maria immigrated to the United States in 1955 at just two and a half years old. She was one of eight siblings and the youngest of four children who made the transatlantic journey from Naples to Brooklyn, NY. Traveling aboard the Queen Frederica, Maria was joined by her brothers Mario, Anthony, and Raffaele as they reunited with their parents and three older siblings after years apart. The emotional family reunion – which captured the spirit of hope and sacrifice shared by many immigrant families – was even featured in the New York Post.
Maria spent her early years in Brooklyn before settling in Holbrook, NY, in 1986, and most recently moving to Delaware in 2021. She worked in Human Resources for the Estée Lauder Companies. A devout Catholic, she was a faithful and active parishioner of Good Shepherd Parish during her years in Holbrook.
Family was always the center of Maria’s world. She found her greatest joy in her kitchen preparing Italian meals and baking endless desserts for her family. Maria enjoyed shopping at Macy’s Department Store for all the good sales and when it came to her grandchildren, the word “no” simply did not exist.
Maria is predeceased by her siblings Jerry, Tommy, Mario, Anna, and Anthony. She leaves behind her beloved husband, Stephen, and their devoted children: Stephen (Ashley) of Randolph, NJ; Danielle (Kevin Rodgers) of Middletown, DE; and Diane Delaney of Tinton Falls, NJ. She will be deeply missed by her cherished grandchildren: Kevin James “KJ” (12), Capri (10), Giovanni (9), Siena (7), Giada (2), Isla (1), and a grandson due to arrive soon.
Family and friends are invited to gather at Old Bridge Funeral Home, 2350 Route 516, Old Bridge, NJ, on Sunday, July 27, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and again on Monday, July 28, beginning at 10:00 AM. A service will be held at the funeral home at 10:30 AM, followed by an 11:00 AM funeral Mass at the Historic Church of St. Gabriel’s Roman Catholic Church, 549 County Road 520, Marlboro, NJ. Burial will follow on the church grounds at St. Gabriel’s Cemetery