Obituary of Michelangelo Alessandra

Michelangelo Alessandra passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at Community Medical Center in Toms River. He had shared 84 years of unconditional love, infectious laughter, and unforgettable memories with family and friends.  

Michelangelo was born and raised in Alia, Sicily, Italy to the late Antonio and Anna Alessandra. He grew up creating lifelong experiences alongside his four siblings. In the late 1950’s Michelangelo and his family immigrated to the United States. They settled into Newark, New Jersey. He married the love of his life, Assunta Maria Paoria, on April 25, 1965. The happy couple settled into the Denville/Randolph area to raise a family of their own. Michelangelo always worked hard to support his family. He began working for J. Wiss & Sons in Newark and then Aitron Corporation where he polished jewelry. That is where the passion and inspiration was ignited in Michelangelo. He founded A.M.P. Jeweler’s on Route 46 in Rockaway, which he owned and operated for approximately 25 years before retirement. In 2022, Assunta and Michelangelo officially retired to Toms River.  

If you knew Michelangelo, you knew his adoration for food. He was our bread connoisseur; pasta aficionado; food shopping expert and so much more. He loved trips to the supermarket and even more so enjoyed inviting loved ones over to converse, create lasting memories, and EAT! All were welcomed at his home to share a meal. Above all, his family was his biggest pride and joy. Although we are deeply saddened by his passing, we take comfort in knowing he is now with the Lord Jesus Christ and reunited in Heaven with his parents and his son, Peter Angelo Alessandra.  

His legacy will live on forever in the hearts of his beloved wife of nearly 60 years, Assunta; his loving children, Anthony Alessandra and his wife Georgia and Annabella Alessandra-DeJesus’ and her husband Samuel DeJesus’; his caring daughter-in-law, Sharon Alessandra; his cherished siblings, Gaetano Alessandra and his wife Antoinette, Joe Alessandra and his wife Carmela, Pete Alessandra and his wife Carol, and Connie Fasciano and her husband Cosmo; his 10 treasured grandchildren; his adored great-granddaughter, Athena; and many more dear extended family and friends.  

Public Visitation will be held on Friday, June 28th from 10 - 12 pm at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville. Funeral Service will begin promptly at 12:00 pm at the Funeral Home. Entombment will immediately follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery & Mausoleum, 225 Ridgedale Avenue, East Hanover. Memorial Donations are being accepted in Michelangelo's memory to the Parkinson Foundation by way of www.inmemof.org to ensure receipt of your donation. Please light a candle, leave a condolence and share your favorite memory of Michelangelo here to continue to celebrate his life and let his light shine.