Fernanda Iacobucci

Fernanda Iacobucci (Salerni), 98, of Wayne, NJ, formerly of Garfield, NJ, passed away peacefully on February 6, 2025, surrounded by her beloved family. The third of ten children born to Amilcare and Adelina Salerni in San Valentino, Abruzzo, Italy, Fernanda led a life filled with love, dedication, and an unwavering devotion to her family and faith.

In her early years in San Valentino, Fernanda ran a small shop, crafting sweaters for friends and family. It was during this time that she met and married Lucio, also from San Valentino. Their first child, Robert, was born in Venezuela, and shortly after, the family moved back to San Valentino. Lucio then traveled to America to work and build a future for his family. While Lucio was in America, Fernanda gave birth to their daughter, Linda. In 1968, Fernanda, Robert, and Linda joined Lucio in America to begin their new life and pursue the American dream.

Fernanda was deeply committed to her Catholic faith, and for many years, she was a devoted parishioner at Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Wayne, NJ. Each morning, Fernanda prayed her rosary for the health and well-being of her loved ones, ensuring that God’s blessings were always with them. She also had a strong devotion to Saint Padre Pio, whose spiritual presence was always a guiding force in her life.

Known affectionately as Nonna, Fernanda’s life was centered around her family. She could always be found sitting outside her daughter’s home, greeting neighbors and friends with a warm wave. Fernanda’s greatest joy came from cooking traditional Italian dishes, especially for her grandchildren. No Christmas celebration was complete without her famous escarole and meatball soup. She also loved singing Italian songs on the karaoke microphone, often expressing her wish to have been a singer.

Fernanda is survived by her two children, Robert and his wife Gail, and Linda and her husband Anthony. She was the proud grandmother of Anthony, Gabriella, Jordan, Victoria, and her husband Christopher, all of whom filled her heart with joy. She also leaves behind her brother Nicola and his wife Mary, her sister Giovanna and her husband Antonio, her brother Alfonso, and many nieces and nephews both in the United States and Italy, all of whom she adored.

Fernanda was predeceased by her loving husband, Lucio, in 2000, and her dear sisters, Maria and Olivetta. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Rafaele, Carlo, Valentino, and Antonio.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to all those who have been a part of Fernanda’s life, bringing her so much love and happiness. We ask that you continue to  cherish her memory and keep her in your hearts.

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In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Fernanda’s memory.

May Fernanda’s spirit rest in peace, forever in our hearts.