Antoinette “Toni” Acerra (nee Melone), a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend to all, died peacefully on September 9, 2024. She was 98.

A lifelong resident of Long Branch, Toni grew up on Morris Avenue with her parents Anthony and Michaeline (who were born in Sorrento, Italy) and her siblings Louise, Emily (Sister Ann Michael) and Amadeo (“Sonny”), all predeceased. She attended Star of the Sea’s Lyceum School. It was during her high school years, while at a bonfire down on North End Beach, where she met the love of her life, William “Bill” Acerra. Toni and Bill married in 1949, resided in Long Branch and attended mass at Star of the Sea Church.

Toni was the heart and soul of her family. She and Bill had 5 children – Linda (Ron) Bisti, Billy (Colleen), Mary (Bob) Davis, Tony (Claudia) and Stephen (Felicia). Toni was also an adoring and doting grandmother and great grandmother to Ron, Christopher, Anthony, Erik, Matthew, Gianna, Emily, Michael, Betty, Bobby and Shane.

After raising her children, Toni went to work at Monmouth Medical Center as a nurse on the pediatrics floor, given her love of children. She loved dancing, going to the ceramic’s studio, music – in particular, Tony Bennett – and strolling through arts and crafts shows.

On Saturday, September 14, a mass will be held in her honor at Star of the Sea Church in Long Branch. The Mass will begin at 10:30am. Toni will be buried next to her husband at Woodbine Mausoleum. The family invites you to leave a letter of condolence by selecting the Tribute/Guestbook link above