Vincenza " Vinny" Smeriglio

Vincenza "Vinny" Smeriglio peacefully left this world on March 22, 2024, surrounded by her family. Her life began on August 21, 1925, in Asbury Park, NJ, as the youngest of 8 children. Vinny wasn't just a beloved figure; she was the beating heart of her family—a cherished wife, nurturing mother, doting grandmother (Nanny) and proud great-grandma (Big Nanny). Family was more than a word; it was woven into the very fabric of her being. For Vinny, family wasn't just important to her; it was the very essence of her existence. Vinny poured her heart and soul into caring for and supporting her loved ones throughout her life, creating a legacy of unwavering devotion.

While stitching together dreams as a seamstress at the 3rd Ave garment factory in Long Branch until the 1970s, Vinny was also stitching together the beautiful tapestry of her life and family. In her youthful days, she found joy in the simple pleasures - playing softball, hitting strikes at the bowling alley, trying her luck in Atlantic City, shouting "bingo!" with glee. She treated everyone with kindness and welcomed everyone at 340 Chelsea Ave. Everyone knew when you crossed her doorstep you were treated to her cooking, a cup of coffee and stories around the kitchen table - no matter the time of day. Her warm, generous soul shone through as she selflessly put others' needs ahead of her own, a true embodiment of love and compassion.

Vinny's family tree branches out widely, with branches full of love and memories. Her legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She leaves behind a legacy of love and strength in: her oldest daughter, Theresa (Terry) Scallo, her son-in-law Frank Sr., and grandson Michael of Pt. Pleasant; her oldest grandson, Frank (Frankie) Scallo Jr., his wife Alina and their children Rachel and Josh of Ocean Township; her daughter, Josephine (JJ) Basil and son-in-law Frank; grandson Vincent (Vinny) Basil, his wife Tara and their children Vincent (Vinny), Luke, and Charlotte (Charlie); granddaughter Samantha Jo (Sami Jo) Rios and her children Ella Jo and Ian; grandson Michael (Mikey) Basil and his daughter Penelope all of Las Vegas, NV; her daughter, Nancy Yelton, son-in-law Randy, and grandson Richard (Richie) of West Long Branch; grandson Ryan Yelton, his wife Nikki, and their children Luke and Cooper of Eatontown;  her son, Mario Smeriglio Sr. and daughter-in-law Merrydth of Ocean Township; granddaughter Nicole Snyder, her husband Curtis, and their children Winston, Olivia, Axel, and Robin of Haverford, PA; granddaughter Shana Smeriglio of Palmyra, NJ; and grandson Mario Smeriglio Jr, his wife Ariana, and their children Stella, Enzo, and Giulia of Shrewsbury; and many loving nieces and nephews; who are all testaments to her enduring love. 

In the eternal tapestry of Vinny's life, she also rejoins her predeceased family members in a place of serenity and love. Now alongside her parents Alfonso DeVivo and Josephine DeVivo and her seven siblings: Rosie Fiorentino, Millie Marrotta, Ralph DeVivo, Nellie Siciliano, Joseph DeVivo, Peggy Mazza, and Josephine Marrotta. Vinny is reunited with her loving husband of 68 years, John Smeriglio Sr., and her son John (Johnny Boy) Smeriglio Jr., in a place where love knows no bounds. Their spirits now intertwined, they watch over the family she held so dear, ensuring that her memory lives on through the generations.

Friends and family are invited to pay their respects at Damiano Funeral Home in Long Branch, NJ, with visitation on Tuesday, March 26th, from 4-7 PM, and the funeral on Wednesday, March 27th, at 9:30 AM with the service to begin 10 AM, followed by her final resting place at Woodbine Mausoleum.

Vinny will forever be engraved in our memories for her unwavering love, her radiant spirit, infectious smile and her unwavering dedication to those she held dear. Her absence will be deeply felt by all whose lives she touched, but her light will continue to shine bright in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to know her.

The family invites you to leave a letter of condolence by selecting the Tribute/Guestbook link above.

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