Michele Lombardi, lovingly known as Mom or Nonna passed away on May 13, 2026, at Riverview Hospital in Red Bank, New Jersey, after a life marked by love, laughter, wisdom, and a remarkable ability to make ordinary moments feel like they were written by a very talented screenwriter.

Born on October 31, 1947, in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, Michele entered the world on Halloween, which feels fitting for someone who spent her life with a sparkle in her eye and just enough mischief in her personality to keep everyone on their toes.

She attended Bloomfield High School and carried the lessons of her upbringing with her throughout her life, especially the values of faith, family, and showing up for the people she loved. She was a Christian, and her life reflected a deep devotion to kindness, strength, and the quiet but powerful way she cared for others.

Michele was the beloved widow of Richard Biagio Lombardi, who predeceased her, and together they built a family that became her greatest pride and joy. She was the loving mother of Lisa Ann DiMaggio, wife of Joseph DiMaggio, Marie Elaine Innarella, wife of Steven Innarella, and Caroline Rauseo, wife of Franco Rauseo. She was also a cherished mother-in-law, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, though “cherished” almost feels too small a word for someone who could make a delicious family dinner which brought her family together to make special memories to cherish, a phone call feel like a hug, and a simple conversation feel like a master class in common sense and love.

Michele’s seven grandchildren were the light of her life, and she loved them in the way only a grandparent can, which is to say with enthusiasm, loyalty, and the kind of attention that makes a child feel like the most important person in the room. She leaves behind Malena DiMaggio, Joseph DiMaggio, Ava DiMaggio, Sofia Rauseo, Nicholas Innarella, Anthony Innarella, and Domenic Innarella. She especially enjoyed reading to her grandchildren, and one can imagine her making even the simplest story come alive, probably with a little extra drama, a little extra warmth, and perhaps a look that said, “Now listen carefully, because this part matters.” She enjoyed spending time with her family above all else.

Michele understood that family was not just something you had, but something you tended, protected, and fed. She loved playing cards, and it is safe to assume she was the kind of player who never gave away too much, never underestimated the competition, and had the patience of a saint and the instincts of a seasoned strategist. She also loved traveling, going to the beach, and enjoying a glass of merlot, which to Michele was a perfectly balanced life.

Michele had a gift for instilling family values, and she did so not with lectures that went on longer than a holiday parade, but with her example. She was loving, selfless, and wise, three words that fit her naturally. She knew how to listen, how to advise, and how to tell the truth in a way that made you grateful for it later, even if you were not immediately grateful in the moment. That is a rare talent. So is making people laugh while still making them feel cared for, and Michele did both with ease. She also enjoyed watching The Godfather and Lifetime movies, which is an excellent combination because she appreciated both family drama and dramatic family drama but above all, loyalty. She had a sense of humor that could appreciate the grand, the emotional, and the slightly ridiculous parts of life.

In that spirit, one of her favorite kinds of wisdom might have been summed up by Lucille Ball, who famously said, “The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age.”

Michele would have appreciated that line, because it has the proper blend of honesty, charm, and just enough cheek to make it memorable. Michele’s life was a beautiful example of devotion, resilience, and grace. She gave her family a foundation of love that will continue to support them for generations. Her presence filled rooms, her voice comforted hearts, and her humor made even serious moments feel a little lighter. She had the kind of spirit that did not need to announce itself, because it was already felt by everyone lucky enough to know her. Though her passing leaves a deep emptiness,

Michele’s legacy remains strong in the lives she shaped, the memories she created, and the family she loved so fiercely. She will be remembered not only for the roles she played in life, but for the warmth she brought to every one of them. She was, in every meaningful sense, the heart of her family, and hearts like hers are not easily forgotten.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 16 from 12 pm until the time of the service 3:30 pm at the Damiano Funeral Home in Long Branch. The family invites you to leave a letter of condolence by selecting the Tribute/Guestbook link above.