Obituary of Mary Ellen Lusardi
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mary Ellen Lusardi who died on April 3rd, 2024, at The Oaks of Denville.
Mary Ellen was born to George and Harriet Hart in Dover NJ on August 20, 1929, where she was raised alongside her three brothers, Roger, Arthur and Eddie. As a teen, Mary Ellen joined the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) at St. Cecilia Church in Rockaway where she met the love of her life, Arthur Lusardi. The two were married on March 28th, 1948, and built a beautiful family including 10 children during their 54 years of marriage. To Mary Ellen, family was her life. She adored her children and was overjoyed when she was blessed with grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mary Ellen was always in high demand, filling her calendar with dinner invitations and trips to the Jersey shore, Florida, and northern California. In addition to raising her family. Mary Ellen also enjoyed a 25-year career in retail banking for Heritage Bank North where she was promoted to Branch manager in Brookside Mendham before her retirement. Mary Ellen saw Heritage Bank through multiple restructurings into what finally we know today as PNC Bank.
Mary Ellen spent her final years at Franciscan Oaks in Denville, which gave her a newfound sense of freedom and independence. She made many dear friends with whom she enjoyed socializing at dinner, monthly events, and Friday happy hour. Wherever she went, Mary Ellen was a shining light of positivity, beauty, and contagious enthusiasm. Though we are saddened by the loss, we take comfort in knowing that she is at peace, reunited once more with those who passed before her; her beloved husband, Arthur Lusardi, her parents, George and Harriet Hart, her brother, Arthur Hart (Beverly) and Daughter in law, Debra Lusardi. It is now that we look to those she leaves behind to carry on her memory of kindness and care. Mary Ellen’s survivors include her children, Eileen Lusardi, Arthur J. Lusardi, Gregory Lusardi, JoEllen Lusardi (Porfirio), Kevin Lusardi, Dean Lusardi (Donna), Carolyn Burrows (Tom), Deanna Holland (Tom), Terence Lusardi (Lori), Bryan Lusardi, her brothers, Roger Hart (Shirley), Edwin Hart (Elaine), and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors that will remember her fondly.
A public visitation for Mary Ellen is scheduled for Monday, April 8th from 3 to 7 PM with a vigil service to be held at 6 PM and family Eulogies at 6:30 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place Tuesday, April 9th at 10 AM at St. Cecilia Church of Rockaway with a graveside service to follow immediately after at St. Cecilia Cemetery. All are welcome to come and celebrate the life of this wonderful woman!
