Seamstress and Devoted Mother
December 19, 1924 – May 19, 2026
The family of Maria D’Alessandro is deeply saddened to announce the passing of their beloved mother and grandmother on May 19, 2026, at the age of 101, from natural causes while surrounded by her loved ones.
Maria resided in Belle Mead, NJ for the past 12 years with her daughter Antoinette and Chris Schielein.
She was born on December 19, 1924, in Mola di Bari, Italy, to Sebastiano Santoro and Antonia Giustino. In 1962, she and her husband uprooted their family to Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, seeking a better life for themselves and their five children. There, Maria honored her Italian heritage while working tirelessly as a seamstress and caring for her and family.
As a devoted Catholic, she taught her children the values of respect, tradition, and putting family first.
In 1972, tragedy changed her life forever when her beloved husband, Giovanni, died unexpectedly, leaving Maria to raise their five children on her own. Through strength, determination, and with the support of her three eldest children, she persevered and devoted herself completely to her family.
Maria found joy in life’s simple pleasures of a cup of espresso every morning and perhaps a glass of Fortissimo wine with dinner. She loved tending to her vegetable garden and nurturing the beautiful geraniums she planted each year, which somehow bloomed well into December. Nothing brought her greater happiness than visits from her children and grandchildren, especially when she could serve them her famous polpetti (meatballs).
At the age of 90, Maria became an avid fan of basketball star Stephen Curry and loved watching the Golden State Warriors win championships. She was also a devoted fan of the New York Mets and attended her first baseball game at the age of 94 alongside her children and grandchildren.
Maria was predeceased by her loving husband, Giovanni; her son, Leonardo; and her daughter, Grazia (Franco DeSilvio). She is survived by her children Sebastian (Frances), Antoinette (Christopher Schielein), and Anthony (Linda); her cherished grandchildren Gianfranco (Maria), John Anthony (Brenna), Marc, Lauren, John Joseph, Sabrina, and Michael; and her adored great-grandchildren Francesco and Antonella, along with many nieces and nephews.
Though her physical presence is no longer with us, Maria’s light, strength, and boundless love will live on forever in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
