Anna Contini

Anna Gaetana Contini, age 101, of Paterson, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 7, 2024.

The second of Giovanni (John) and Pasqua Occhipinti’s four children Carmella (Millie) Tafaro, Gaetana (Anna), Salvatore (Sam) and Edward. Anna was born and raised in Paterson, NJ. She attended School 10 and then continued to Eastside High School, where she was involved in the Italian Club. While attending high school, Anna worked a part-time job at the infamous Meyer Brother’s Department Store as a sales clerk, which is where she started developing her sense of style and fashion.

Anna developed her love for learning, family, people and her incredible work ethic from her parents who were Italian immigrants who came to this country right before World War I.

Immediately after High School graduation, Anna attended and graduated from Ridgewood Secretarial School. As World War II approached Anna obtained a job at the Local Draft Board. After the war Anna landed a new job at The Laniers and Riccino Bank (later First National Bank) in Paterson, working as the head bookkeeper. Anna’s bookkeeping and secretarial skills along with her ability to speak Italian made her an invaluable asset to the bank.

The Contini and Occhipinti families were friends and this is where Anna and Angelo first met. Even though Anna and Angelo were children at the time they had strong feelings for each other. As time passed Anna and Angelo developed an even stronger friendship as classmates in Eastside High School. The two fell in love and on October 1, 1950, they were married at St Casmir’s Church in Paterson. Their loving union lasted for 39 years until Angelo’s death in December of 1989. They were blessed with four children, Salvatore (Sam), John, Patricia (Pat) and Joseph (Joe). It should be noted each of their children is named after one of Anna and Angelo’s parents.

Anna was an incredible woman who will be missed by everyone fortunate enough to have known her. Among Anna’s many talents Anna will be remembered for being a master garment worker. Anna was a seamstress, a tailor, Anna made drapes, curtains, slip-covers, pillows and pillow cases. Anna even made the wedding gown of one of her daughter-in-law’s. She will also be remembered for her trusty needle and thread she always kept with her, ready to mend a torn sleeve or hem a dress at a moment’s notice. Along with her sewing skills, Anna was known for her incredible cooking and baking skills. Friday nights in the Contini home was pizza night and everyone enjoyed a slice. Whether you were a next door neighbor, a friend of one of her children’s or even the paperboy delivering the paper, you enjoyed a slice. Anna and Angelo hosted a New Years Eve Party every year that featured their incredible homemade sausage. Family and friends would come to Anna and Angelo’s home every New Years Eve to enjoy the singing, dancing and dine on homemade Italian  sausage. What a way to start the New Year. If you were unable to attend you were given the sausage as a gift. Anna was noted for her Italian/Sicilian delicacies like Scotcha, Basittisa and Umbanada. A holiday would not go by without one of Anna’s famous Italian cheese cake called Casada. Anna baked great cookies and in some circles, it has been said, Anna was worth her weight in cookies.

Anna had a great love and devotion for her Family. A holiday, birthday or special occasion was never missed. Anna’s decorating skills were beyond compare. Anna had the ability to make every holiday special. Every Christmas in the Contini home was a Winter Wonderland and what was even more amazing it was done every year. Anna’s love and devotion for family extended to all members of her family. Anna had 11 nieces and nephews who she loved dearly. Anna’s love extended to their children and their children’s children. Anna lived such a long life she was able to connect to many generations. Anna’s niece Angela, loved her so much that she asked Anna to serve as her Matron of Honor in her wedding party.

One of Anna’s passions was handcrafted ceramics. Anna enjoyed it so much that she purchased two kilns and greenware from a local ceramic shop when they decided to go out of business. The time and effort that she put into her crafts were best repaid with a smile and appreciation of those she cared about. She never sought payment, The art and the joy they bought to others was more than enough for Anna.

Another major aspect of Anna’s life was her relationship to God. For 20 years, Anna was the President of the Ladies Sodality of St Casmir’s Church in Paterson. She was devoted to her faith and never waivered in that commitment. When her husband Angelo suffered a stroke, she took care of him for the next 10 years until his passing and still never faltered in her commitment to her faith. Afterwards, she joined the St Paul’s Seniors Club of Haledon with her sister Millie where she held the position of Secretary for many years. She will be deeply missed by her friends, family and the entire community.

Anna is survived by her four children and their spouses, Salvatore Contini, John and his wife Terriann Contini, Pat Contini and Joseph and his wife Mary Contini, her two grandchildren Dr. Joseph and his wife Elizabeth Contini and Michelle Contini and her fiancé James Buffardi, and her four great grandchildren Oliver, Vivian, Samantha and Amelia.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Anna’s name are asked to consider donating to the Special Olympics.