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Kelly Block
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Vince Moretta posted a condolence
Friday, December 20, 2024
For those not able to attend mom's final service, I wanted to share my final thoughts:
I want to thank everyone for coming to pay respects to mom, more importantly Mom & Dad. As anyone who spent time with mom knows, she really focused on family. Since my dad passed away right in the middle of the extreme COVID lockdowns, I wanted to take this time and celebrate them together.
When we were setting up arrangements for mom’s services, they asked us “what did your mother like to do? did she have any hobbies? did she like to garden? did she read? Kelly and I thought about this for a split second and both of us looked at each other and landed on “mom did family”, family and cooking, family and cooking and the shore, where she did family and cooking. You all get the gist – mom wanted us all together with them as much as possible.
When I was younger, mom would let me roam the neighborhood pretty much unsupervised, but I always had to be within earshot for both lunch and dinner. I'd hear the dreaded “JaaaaaayR – time to eat” and I knew I had to hightail it home or else. I tested the waters a few times and learned very early on you don’t mess with the schedule.
Liz always refers to my childhood as “living on Walton’s Mountain”. That was always one of mom’s favorite shows that we would watch intently with her and my grandparents. When my dad got older, he started really focusing on his children’s viewpoints and actions. I had just cut the chord with the cable company and moved to satellite, since the savings were substantial and that of course intrigued dad. He decided he could also save money by switching to satellite. The mistake was mom was not an active part of the decision. He pulled the plug and forgot to sign up for the package that included mom’s 4 or 5 shows, including “The Walton’s”, and the end result was not pretty. Luckily, we were able to quickly sign up for her channels, the ship was righted, but the lesson learned.
Mom taught in Wayne for a very long time, 40+ years, as she truly loved to teach. The Board of Education actually had to sit her down and show her on paper that she would have more discretionary income by retiring than if she continued in the classroom. That was the only way they could get her to give up her tenure, which she worked so hard for. Her longevity was amazing as she was a very impressive career woman.
I can still picture moments of her retirement party like it was yesterday. I remember looking up at her on the stage and thinking “mom looks great, she looks so happy, but what is this professional side of mom?” She had so many friends there to wish her well in her retirement. It was another side of her that I only understood from a very high level. A bit surreal for me.
When she finally retired, she and my dad had to figure out what to do again with their time. Kelly and I were headed out on our own, and they would need to fill the day without John Boy and Mary Ellen being in the house. They travelled, saw the old country, saw more of the US (DC, California, New Orleans, etc.) with my family, and spent priceless time with Kelly, Ken, and Sarah at Disney. They were also finally able to stay at the shore without work schedules in play, but in the end the grandchildren wound up being their main focus.
Mom was a fierce advocate for people she loved. I remember Liz, mom, and I were in Short Hills and Liz needed to get a watch band replaced. She went in the store, and of course they totally ignored her. When she came back mom asked her "did you get what you needed?" Liz told her she waited patiently but no one even acknowledged her. Mom stormed into the store, interrupted everyone, and said to the salespeople “she’s been waiting for 15 minutes, and no one is helping her”. One of the sales folks made the mistake of responding “We’ll get to her as soon as possible” AND THEN… the dreaded words “Let me speak to your manager” came out. 15 minutes later the band had been ordered and the three of us were heading to Legal Seafoods for lunch.
One last memory but a good one... I remember Kelly was taking her SATs one morning and the marching band was practicing at full volume. Mom did not like that at all, so she ran down to the high school, stormed into the superintendent’s office and demanded that he shut down the band practice so she could take her SATs without noise & distraction. I have no idea what she said but he complied!
The fact is mom fought long and hard against a very progressive degenerative disease – but I would expect nothing less from her. I look at where we are right now and think she has finally been released from her physical limitations and back again with my dad and her parents. The Merks are playing cards up there and she is with everyone having a blast. My dad would say “Jay – moms moved on to the next dimension.” but I'd bet at the same time, he’s also asking her “babe - what took you so long.”
I am 100% confident that when my time comes, my mom will be in the front of the welcoming party within the light. She was my mom, my advocate, my greatest fan, and the one special person who I could rely on regardless of the situation. She always made time for us, listened intently, coached, and helped more than we ever expected. She shaped Kelly and I into the people we are today. What an amazing, wonderful, strong, intelligent woman. Rest in peace mom, we love you forever and you really did great.
Y
Your friends at United HealthCare planted a tree in memory of Jean Moretta
Thursday, December 19, 2024
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Vince, we're proud to plant a beautiful tree to honor your mom's life. May it provide comfort and oxygen for another generation. Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Phil and Amy planted a tree in memory of Jean Moretta
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
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Vince & Lizanne so sorry for your loss.. they never leave us as they arr always in our hearts Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Manny and Maria Vizcaya planted a tree in memory of Jean Moretta
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
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Our warmest condolences to you and your family. Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Lisa Wade (Spinelle) posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
Jr and Kelly, you can’t imagine how often I think of your parents. Auntie Jean and Uncle Vince were a big part of my life as a child - taking walks with your dad and mine on Garret Mountain and reading with your patient and encouraging mom. I remember her giving me wonderful Easter baskets and taking my hand to show me something. Always a teaching moment, but I was too young to realize it at the time. The words, “I remember when Auntie Jean…” are spoken more often than one might expect after all these years. She was a great woman and a wonderful part of our family as I grew up. Always a warm place in my heart for her.
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Shannon M posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
So sorry my dear friend. Your Mom was always so kind and welcoming to me, whether I was at your Little Falls house or your LBI house. I know I already told you this but it warrants me saying it again - you were an amazing daughter and caregiver to your Mom and she knew it. She is with your Dad now watching over you and your family. Love you.
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Mike Miner posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
Hi Kelly … So sorry to see this. I know it was a tough fight for all involved. Sending our love e and condolences and wish you, Ken, Sarah and family peace. Your mom and dad are together again and smiling down on you. You are truly blessed to have such wonderful parents and grandparents. Fond memories here of our Sunday vacation dinners at the Moretta table and watching your mom work with your dad to collect fresh clams from High Bar (mom with the big white bucket, dad with the rake).
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Speer Family posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
Oh Kelly, I’m SO very sorry to hear of your mom’s passing…I am glad I had the pleasure of meeting her (and your dad) when they would pick up Sarah from school. She was always so kind and sweet and a pleasure to chit chat with. May she Rest in the Sweetest Peace. Sending our deepest condolences and sympathy to all of you.
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Manny V posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
Kelly - So sorry to hear this. Comes a time where it is best that she is with your Daddy. My condolences to you and your family. Keep strong.
The comfort is that you were a great daughter!!!
R
Robert Lindner posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
Kelly,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your Mom lived a good life and was devoted to her children and their future. I am sure your Dad had a lot to do with that too, but you are the result of both of them. Now, she has passed as God has planned. We love you and are with you during these times of mourning.
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Billy and Alexis planted a tree in memory of Jean Moretta
Monday, December 16, 2024
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Praying for you and you're family at this difficult time. Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Nancy Bayda posted a condolence
Monday, December 16, 2024
Q: What will you never forget about Jean?
A: Mrs. Moretta was always so nice to be around and I have fond memories of Mr. and Mrs. Moretta who always treated me like family both at home and at their shore house. As Kelly’s friend I was lucky to experience the amazing food and conversation at their Sunday dinners where I learned, among other things, that pasta didn’t always come out of a box!
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Kelly Block purchased flowers
Monday, December 16, 2024
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Kelly, Ken & Sarah-Our sincerest condolences, our love, thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.Love,Kelly & Philip Block
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A Memorial Tree was planted for Jean Moretta
Sunday, December 15, 2024
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Festa Memorial Funeral Home Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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The family of Jean A. Moretta uploaded a photo
Sunday, December 15, 2024
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111 Union Boulevard
Totowa, NJ 07512
Phone: (973) 790-8686
Robert P. Festa Jr. Manager N.J. Lic. # 4097