Anna

Tarabocchia

Anna "Anita" Tarabocchia, age 97, passed away peacefully at her home in Fort Lee, New Jersey.

Anna was born on April 28, 1929, on the island of Susak in the Adriatic Sea, now part of present-day Croatia, to Antonia and Egidio. She was always proud of her heritage, carrying its traditions, culture, and love of family with her throughout her life.

On January 6, 1955, she married the love of her life, Frank Tarabocchia, in Chiavari, Italy. After a short time in Italy, they immigrated to the United States, arriving in New York City on May 3, 1956, where they built a loving home and raised their family in New Jersey.

Anna worked as a skilled seamstress and was known for her kindness, quiet strength, and unwavering devotion to her family. She found great joy in gardening, sewing, and cooking. Her homemade lasagna became a cherished family tradition that brought everyone together around the table.

Music was woven into Anita's life. She loved singing the traditional songs of her beloved island of Susak. She and her husband, Frank, shared a beautiful harmony that delighted family and friends. Her brother Eddie and sister Maria would often join in while their father, Egidio, accompanied them on his accordion. Those evenings, filled with music, laughter, and love, became treasured family memories.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Frank; her brothers, Eddie and Nino; and her brother-in-law, Tom, the beloved husband of her sister, Maria.

Anna is survived by her children, John and his wife, Dina; Frank and his partner, Dina; and Anna and her husband, Aldo. She is also survived by her beloved sister, Maria; her sister-in-law, Maria, the widow of her brother Eddie; and her sister-in-law, Elsa, the widow of her brother Nino.

She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: John-Ryan and his wife, Nikki; Kevin and his wife, Theresa; Kyle and his partner, Megan; Marissa and her husband, Derek; Gina and her husband, Desmond; and Sara; and her treasured great-grandchildren, Curtis, Lucy, Landon, and Harper.

To her family, Anita was the heart of every gathering. Whether tending her garden, preparing her famous lasagna, or filling the room with song, she expressed her love through quiet acts of kindness and generosity. She welcomed everyone into her home with warmth and always put family first.

From the shores of the tiny island of Susak to her home in Fort Lee, Anita built a life centered on faith, family, and love. Her legacy lives on in her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all those whose lives she touched.

May she rest in God's eternal peace