Antoinette Bell Predpall, Family Matriarch, Dies At 93

Courtesy of Damiano Funeral Home

Antoinette Bell Predpall, (nee Ferraro) entered into Heaven's Choir on May 5, 2018 from her home in Long Branch. She was 93.

Toni was born in Hackensack, NJ on July 11, 1924, the youngest daughter of Gaetana Zisa Ferraro and Orazio Ferraro.

Toni was married to Martin F. Bell Sr. from June 1948 until his death March 10, 1981 and Daniel F. Predpall from January 2, 1986 until his passing in March 2015. Toni was predeceased by her son Martin F. Bell Jr. in August of 1967 and her sisters Theresa Borgia and Sadie Girlando and her brother Giovanni Ferraro.

Toni is survived by her children, Samuel Bell and his wife Patricia Love of Flagler Beach Fl., Charles Bell and his wife Chris Prichard of Moss Beach CA, and Gaeta Bell and her wife Audrey Koh of San Francisco CA.; her stepson Daniel Predpall, Jr. and his wife Dianne of Vermont; her grandchildren, Zachary Bell, Niki and Ari Prichard Bell, Anthony and Alex Koh Bell; her nieces Marie Pumilio, Gaeta Iseicz, Teresa Carrabba and her nephew Phil Girlando and numerous great nieces and nephews.

She attended Trenton State College after graduating from Trenton High School. Toni was the first in her family to earn a college degree. Securing a position at Matawan High School, Miss Ferraro initially taught English, became chair of the math department and was a CIE coordinator. She was instrumental in establishing and was a teacher at E.O.C, the alternative high school program in Matawan. Mrs. Bell was inducted into the Matawan Hall of Fame in 1997 for her more than 25 years of selfless service.

Toni also served on the Juvenile Council Committee in Matawan in addition to volunteering at Bay Shore Hospital and for many years at the St. Vincent De Paul Society in Long Branch.

Highly active and involved, Toni was an icon at her home in Ocean Cove where she served on the condominium board for the past 10 years. Most summer mornings Toni would be seen in the pool teaching water aerobics to an enthusiastic and grateful group of friends. Many will remember Toni at her cabana on summer evenings, very much enjoying her family and neighbors.

Toni found much joy sharing her beautiful voice with others, whether with the St. Michael's Church choir or at the annual family reunions she took such pride and pleasure organizing. Generous to all, Toni was the true matriarch of a large extended family. Toni's endless love and spirit will be remembered by generations far beyond her close-knit Italian clan.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 8 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Damiano Funeral Home, 191 Franklin Ave in Long Branch. There will be a funeral at 10 a.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home followed by a 11 a.m. Mass at St. Michael's Church in Long Branch. Interment will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Middletown.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The St. Vincent De Paul Society at St. Michael's Church, 800 Ocean Ave, Long Branch, NJ 07740 or the VNA Health Group, 23 Main Street, Suite D1, Holmdel, NJ 07733. Letters of condolence may be sent through the web at www.damianofuneralhome.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Shutterstock