Obituary of Antoinette G. Bartenope

Antoinette G. Bartenope passed peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, December 13, 2020. She shared 78 years of love and faith with everyone she met. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday, December 19th at 10 AM at St. Mary’s Parish, Denville. Friends and relatives may visit on Friday, December 18th from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 PM at the Norman Dean funeral home, Denville.  Donations in her name may be made to the good work of the National Kidney Foundation by way of www.inmemof.org

Antoinette was born on a beautiful summer day in August of 1942 to the late Nicholas and Maria Sepe. She was one of three children to bless the family.  She was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. As a young girl had no idea that her future love was just around the corner. After graduating high school, Antoinette was attending a celebration with her family and it was there that Dominick Bartenope saw her from across the room. He asked her to dance and, as the saying goes, “the rest was history”. The following day the couple went on their first official date to Coney Island.  They were crazy about each other and looked forward to starting their lives together. On May 1, 1965 they married in her home parish in Brooklyn. Years later they found themselves settling in Denville, NJ. Nettie and Dom were blessed with two children and Antoinette was the world's most loving wife and Mother.  She was an excellent cook and baker, known for hosting family gatherings and her delicious treats.  Always wanting to be a business owner, she was fortunate to own and operate Sweet Nothings chocolate and gift shop in Summit, NJ.   She loved the shop and all of its customers and was a successful business woman for over 10 years.  In 1998 Antoinette sold the shop so she and Dominick could head South for a slower paced retirement.  Wanting to be closer to family they made their way back to North Jersey and settled in Rockaway so she could spoil her grandchildren even more! The sun rose and set on the grandkids.  One might say her biggest accomplishment was being the doting and adored “Nana” to her three grandchildren. There is nothing she wouldn't do for them. Nettie and Dominick shared 55 beautiful years together. Theirs was a love story like no other. Although we are broken-hearted , we take comfort in knowing she is now with her dear son, Dominick Jr., and together they are watching over their family with love.  

She leaves a lifetime of joyful memories to her husband Dominick, her daughter and son-in-law Debbie and Dave Wilson; her grandchildren Dominick Bartenope III, Zachary Wilson and Giada Wilson; her brother in law Anthony Bartenope (Ann) and sister in law Janice Redes (Mike); and many more dear relatives and friends. Also, her beloved son Dominick Jr. (September 2020), her brother John Sepe (1974) and her sister Rosemarie Sabatini (Jan. 2020)  who have all passed previously.