A heartfelt tribute from the family of Anna Maria Marrone.

Anna Maria Marrone (née Nocera), 75, passed away on July 14th, 2024, in Brick, New Jersey. She was born on January 18th, 1949, in Molfetta, Puglia, Italy. Anna immigrated to Hoboken, New Jersey, in 1965 and became a naturalized citizen in 1970. She and her family relocated from New Jersey to Naples, Florida, in 1987.

Anna had a gift for making people feel at home and showing love and generosity to everyone around her. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, and sister, and she will be deeply missed by many, especially her beloved children and five grandchildren, whom she cherished more than anything.

Despite the hardships she faced, Anna emanated a pervasive joy for life. She always prioritized the needs of her family and friends, making everyone feel welcomed and loved.

Anna, alongside her late husband, Philip Anthony Marrone, owned and operated Little Italy Restaurant in Naples, Florida, for over two decades. The restaurant was their livelihood and a gathering place filled with love and cherished memories. Anna’s culinary skills, especially her famous Garlic Bread Knots, and Tiramisu left a lasting impression on all who visited.

A woman of many interests, Anna was an avid reader with a particular penchant for crime fiction. Her talents extended to knitting, creating beautiful pieces for her loved ones, a mark of her generous and caring nature. Her legacy will live on through all those her kindness touched. Anna’s life was a testament to resilience, marked by the deep connections she made. She was a pillar of strength, always putting the needs of others before her own, and her presence radiated love and warmth.

She is survived by her children, Giovanna, Philip Jr. (Christine), and Alexander (Olivia); grandchildren, Kaitlyn (Austin), Annamaria, Isabella, Dominick, and Jace; and great-grandson, Vince. Anna also leaves behind her siblings, Franco and Orietta. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Philip, and her parents, Vitaliano and Giovanna (Parisi) Nocera.

A Celebration of Anna’s life will be held on Tuesday, July 23rd, at 11:00 a.m. The Ocean County Cremation Service in Toms River, New Jersey, will assist the family during this time.

In place of flowers, contributions in Anna’s memory can be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America at https://alzfdn.org/. Her legacy of caring for, supporting, and helping others will continue.

Anna’s presence will be profoundly missed, but her spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved her.