Caldwells Obituary: Filomena Bifalco, Senior Center volunteer and Gould Elementary School Lunch Aid

Longtime North Caldwell resident Filomena Bifalco passed away on Christmas Day.

She was 88-years-old.

The following obituary comes courtesy of the Codey & Jones Funeral Home:

“Filomena L. Bifalco, 88, of North Caldwell, NJ, passed away peacefully at home, Christmas Day 2015, her favorite holiday, surrounded by her loving family.

“Born and raised in Newark, NJ, to Angelo and Jenny Grasso, Filomena was one of seven children. She met and married Mario Bifalco and together raised their family of 4 children, living in North Caldwell the past 49 years.

“Filomena’s home was always open to family and friends. She was infamous for her wonderful cooking, especially her broccoli rabe. Her caring for others extended beyond her home to the Caldwell Senior Center, to a private home in West Caldwell and at Cranes Mill where she continued to care for the elderly. She was also a lunch aid at the Gould Elementary School in North Caldwell and worked the voting polls in Caldwell.

“Filomena was blessed to have shared her life with generations of family, including her 3 great greatgrandchildren.

“She is survived by her beloved husband, Mario D. Bifalco; devoted children, Phyllis Pepler, Daniel (Donna), Mario (Nancy) and Mark (Caroline) Bifalco; dear sisters, Theresa Sparacino and Jean DiPasquale; loving grandchildren, Thomas, Mario, Daniel, Melissa, Dara, Ashley, Elizabeth and Brian; cherished great grandchildren, Jessica, Grace, Aurora and Joshua; adored great great grandchildren, Connor, Faith and Tristan. She was predeceased by her son-in-law, Thomas Pepler; a sister, Columbia Bove, and brothers, Michael, Amos and Ralph Grasso.

“In lieu of flowers, donations in Filomena’s memory to the West Essex First Aid Squad or St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital would be deeply appreciated.”