Marie Corso

Marie Corso, 89, of Pompton Plains, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 14, 2025.

Marie was born in June 1935 to Victor and Isabella “Rena” (Robustellini) DeSalvo. She grew up in the family home on Bell Avenue in Lodi and graduated from Lodi High School with the Class of 1953.

After high school, Marie worked for Trubek Chemical Company in East Rutherford until she married the love of her life, Michael Corso. Their families had long known each other, but their romance truly began when Michael was building a home down the block. Marie often walked by, hoping to catch his eye—her plan worked! They fell in love, and after Michael proposed in front of the grotto at St. Francis de Sales Roman Catholic Church in Lodi, they married on May 5, 1956, at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in Lodi. Following their morning ceremony, they indulged in one of their favorite pastimes—watching a Yankees game on TV—before celebrating at their reception at Terribile’s in Lodi. After a honeymoon in Bermuda, they began their life together at 39 Central Avenue, where they raised their four children: Michael, Frank, Vicki, and Tracey. In 1976, they moved into the home they designed together, which Michael built in Maywood. Following Michael’s passing in 1993, Marie eventually relocated to Four Seasons in Wayne and, most recently, to Cedar Crest Village in Pompton Plains.

As a young mother, Marie dedicated herself to raising her children while also serving as the administrative backbone of her husband’s construction business, Corso’s Cabinets. Later, she worked in the business office of Panico’s Hair Salon in Ridgewood.

Marie was actively involved at St. Francis de Sales School in Lodi and participated in the Renew program and Cursillo Movement. She had a special heart for caring for others and lovingly supported a young boy named Johnny by patterning him for several years.

With her impeccable fashion sense, elegance, and grace, Marie was always a true lady. She had a natural talent in the kitchen, creating meals and baked goods so delicious that those lucky enough to enjoy them often said they were restaurant-quality.

Above all else, Marie treasured her family. She found her greatest joy in their company, whether skiing together—more for the camaraderie than the slopes—or simply gathering at home. She adored her grandchildren and cherished every moment spent with them, whether playing cards over fresh-off-the-griddle chocolate chip pancakes, making her famous from-scratch chocolate pudding, or spoiling them with her beloved macaroni and egg dish and all-they-could-eat ice cream. Her love of cooking and baking was passed down to her grandchildren, who credit her with inspiring their own culinary passions.

Marie will be remembered not only for her elegance and class but also for her easy-going, sweet disposition. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Marie was the beloved wife of Michael Corso, Sr., with whom she shared 37 wonderful years of marriage until his passing in December 1993. She was the loving mother of Michael V. Corso, Jr. and his wife, Teri, of Kunkletown, PA; Frank Corso and his wife, Teresa, of Pompton Plains; Vicki Conklin and her husband, John, of Pequannock; and Tracey Sujkowski and her husband, John, of Pompton Plains. She was the cherished grandmother of Michael III, Ryan and his wife, Barret, Bobbi and her fiancé, Pat, Kevin, Bridget, Tom, Brendan, and Connor, as well as the sweet great-grandmother of Jaxon. She is also survived by her dear younger brother, Ron DeSalvo, and his wife, Kathy, of Georgia; her nephews, Victor DeSalvo and Dr. Jeff DeSalvo and his wife, Molly and children. Marie is survived by her Aunt Connie Toth and sisters-in-law Anne Wiggins, and Pat Corso, plus numerous beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins on the Corso and DeSalvo sides. Marie is survived by her dear life-long friends Irma and Gary Carabin. Marie was predeceased by numerous cousins with whom she shared cherished memories as an unofficial member of the “Cousins Club.”

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In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Marie’s name are asked to consider one of the following charities:

American Cancer Society

P.O. Box 6704

Hagerstown, MD 21741

Click here to download a mailable form

American Diabetes Association

P.O. Box 7023

Merriefield, VA 22116-7023