Obituary of Anna Abela

Anna Cecala Abela of Wayne New Jersey, died peacefully on the morning of Thursday, February 27. Anna was born in New York City to Ignazio and Cologera Cecala on August 11, 1934; she was the baby of thirteen children, all of whom predeceased her. The Cecala family resided on Forsythe Street in New York City, among the Italian American community. Some of the friendships made there lasted her entire life.

Anna was the wife of Officer Anthony Abela (NYPD), who also served the US Army during the Korean War. The Abela family left the city for Wayne, New Jersey in 1966, where Anna resided for the rest of her life. She remained his beloved wife till he passed suddenly in 1984. Anna is survived by her two children, Anthony Abela and Micky Piroino and her husband Tommy.

Anna was one of the favorite aunts in the Alongi, Volpe, and Cecala families.

Two of the loves of Anna's life were Micky's daughters, Gianna and Nicolette. Frequently Nana met the girls as they were coming home from school, and their closeness lasted throughout the girls' lives. She was a class mother for Micky and paid it forward being a Brownie's Grandma for both Gianna and Nicolette.

Anna worked as a paraprofessional at the Ryerson School, catering to children with disabilities. This is where Anna's individuality got a chance to shine, as she wore colorful nail polish that caught everyone's attention and made them smile. She went out of her way to show love to all the children she came in contact with, some of whom met her later in life, and always thanked her for the kindness.

Among the activities she enjoy, she bowled along with her good friends. She volunteered with the Wayne Boys & Girls club where she and some friends sponsored everything from Little League to Bingo. She had a love of playing cards, and her lifelong friend group could be found everywhere from Vegas, to the Bahamas and Atlantic City.

Anna's warm smile, zest for life, and generous spirit touched everyone who knew her. Her legacy of kindness and love will continue to live on through her family, friends, and the countless lives she brightened during her life.

There will be a memorial mass held on Monday at St. James Church in Totowa, 410 Totowa Road, Totowa at 10:00 AM. The family will immediately be going to the Laurel Grove Mausoleum, where Anna will be laid to rest. The family requests that if you wish to honor Anna's memory, please support a program that honors children in need.

Festa Memorial Funeral Home, 111 Union Blvd., Totowa is in charge of arrangements.