Obituary of Lonia Kaletkowski

Lonia Kaletkowski of Denville, NJ passed away peacefully at The Oaks at Denville on Saturday, May 20 at 100 years old. 

Lonia possessed both beauty and brains which served her and others well for over a century. She was born in Clifton, NJ, the daughter of industrialist, Barthold, and Lina DeMattia. She was the youngest of five children.  Lonia was educated in parochial schools and matriculated at New York University and American Academy of Dramatic Arts.  

Lonia dedicated her life to volunteerism. She was President of St. Mary's Hospital Auxiliary, Treasurer and Vice President of N.J. Association of Hospital Auxiliaries, and founder of Clifton’s first Arts Council, "Creative Images," for which she received special recognition from Clifton's City Manager, Mayor and City Council as “Woman of the Year.” Lonia was the first woman appointed to Clifton’s Chamber of Commerce, leading the Civic Affairs Commission as Vice President. In addition she was appointed to the Garden States Arts Center Commission in Holmdel. The American Red Cross awarded her for her dedication as a hospital volunteer during World War II. Of her many achievements, Lonia was most proud of her family.

A devout Catholic, she was a dedicated and longtime member of St. Catherine's of Siena Parish, where she served as a Eucharistic Minister and Lector for 10 years. Lonia was an active member of The Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club, where her family summered for 70 years. She was a lifetime member of the Lake Hopatcong Historical Society. 

She was married to her beloved husband of 49 years, Marion F. Kaletkowski, M.D. who was Chief of Anesthesia at St. Mary's Hospital, Passaic, for 25 years.  Lonia leaves her children Chester Kaletkowski and his wife Patricia, Anita Thomas and her husband Peter; her cherished grandchildren Tanya and her husband Joe, Brandon, and Matthew; adored great-granddaughter Margeaux and very special nieces and nephews. Lonia's family extends special thanks to her loyal and loving caregiver, Kristen Colavito.

Calling hours are Saturday, June 3 from 9:30 am -10:30 am at the Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville. Mass will follow at 11 am at St. Catherine's Church, 10 N Pocono Road, Mountain Lakes. Donations may be made in her name to St. Catherine's Church by way of www.inmemoryof-memorial.org. Please share a memory and leave a condolence for the family.