Obituary of Mary Jane De Salvo

Mary-Jane DeSalvo passed away peacefully on September 7, 2024, at the remarkable age of 97. Born in Brooklyn, NY on May 21, 1927, she was the beloved daughter of John and Adeline Pugiotti and cherished sister of Richard and pre-deceased Johnny, both with whom she shared a lifelong bond.  She was raised in Brooklyn, NY graduating from New Utrecht High School.

For nearly 50 years, Mary-Jane was a devoted wife to her late husband, Philip "Gino" DeSalvo.  Together, they raised two children, Kenneth DeSalvo (husband of Diane) and the late Renee McNichol (wife of Jeffrey). 

Her family was her greatest joy.  She poured her heart into every relationship, leaving behind a legacy of love for her four grandchildren (Natalie, Patricia Lynn, Jamie, and Matthew) as well as her eight great-grandchildren. 

Known as the life of the party, MJ’s vibrant personality brought joy to every occasion.  As a gracious host, she prepared delicious meals with love and care, turning every gathering into a warm and memorable experience.

She was deeply patriotic with a profound appreciation for art, music, theater, classic films and sports.  She was a lifelong NY Mets fan, enjoying games until her final days. She was well-traveled, visiting destinations such as Italy, Ireland, and Israel, experiences that enriched her life. 

Mary-Jane's hands were rarely idle.  She spent countless hours knitting and crocheting blankets for friends and family, each one crafted with love. Her intelligence and wisdom shone through in her ability to complete the most difficult crossword puzzles as well as her impressive ability to answer “Jeopardy” questions with ease.  As a passionate reader, she devoured hundreds of books throughout her life, always eager to keep her mind sharp.  

After retiring from a career at Royal-Globe Insurance Company, Mary-Jane moved to Staten Island to be closer to her grandchildren.  During that time, she became an active member of the Golden Age Club at Our Lady of Pity Church, where she enjoyed countless day trips and volunteered her time generously.  She spent many years as a eucharistic minister, attending mass every Sunday. She later joined a Friendship Club, finding immense joy in directing the chorus and dominating Wii bowling competitions.

Mary-Jane was a woman of many talents, with an extraordinary zest for life. She had a unique gift for finding beauty in the ordinary and making those around her feel loved and cherished. To know Mary-Jane was to love her.  She will be missed by all whose lives she touched.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Pity Church in Staten Island, NY on Friday, September 13, 2024, at 10:30 AM with interment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery.