Janet Kay Wallace-Massaro

Janet Kay Wallace-Massaro, born on February 26, 1953 and resident of Oceanport, NJ, passed away on October 1, 2025 at the age of 72. She was surrounded by her family every step of the way until the end.

Open-hearted and dedicated to the service of others, Janet was beloved by her family and community, and she touched the hearts of countless friends. She was a loving wife to her husband of 38 years, Joseph Massaro Jr., and beloved mother to daughter Andrea Massaro and son Mark Massaro. She is survived by her brother John Wallace and sister-in-law Kathy Wallace; her brother Jim Wallace; as well as many cherished nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her mother, Frances Wallace, and her father, Joseph Wallace.

Growing up with a father in the military service who moved around the world –  from Japan and Germany, to Arizona and Massachusetts – Janet’s family settled in Oceanport when she was 14, where she lived for the next 58 years. She met her future husband, Joseph, at Shore Regional High School, and later attended Monmouth University for her bachelor’s degree.

Always looking first to the well-being of others, she dedicated her career to the Monmouth County Division of Social Services, serving as a social worker for 30 years and assisting our local residents until her retirement. It was where she did what she did best: helping members of the community who needed it most.

Janet, however, never really retired – she simply changed focus. For the past 15-plus years, she was the driving force behind St. Luke’s Food Pantry in Long Branch. Ever attentive to the needs of others, she provided a welcoming heart and food for the community. She was also a lifelong and dedicated member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, acting as the Treasurer and serving on the Board of Trustees at the time of her passing.

Kind, gentle, and quick to smile, Janet always looked for the best in people, and she found it. She kept an open mind, was eager to learn new things, and tirelessly worked to help others around her. She opened her heart to all visitors, filling the family home with joy and warmth. Janet’s was a life of love, service, and dedication to friends and family. She will be deeply missed by all who had the blessing to know her.

In lieu of flowers, the Massaro family asks that donations be made to either Fulfill NJ (FoodBank of Monmouth & Ocean Counties) or St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Janet's name.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 10 from 4-7pm at Damiano Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 11 at 11am at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Long Branch, followed by burial at Woodbine Cemetery in Oceanport.

We welcome anyone who felt her love and care to attend and honor the incredible life that Janet led. Letters of condolences may be sent by selecting the appropriate tab at the top.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Janet Kay Wallace-Massaro, please visit our floral store.