Nina Darpino

Nina Darpino (nee Caliri) age 90, of Wayne passed away peacefully on Friday May 10, 2019 while receiving the loving care of her family.

Nina was born in Lawrence, MA and was the first of two daughters to Christopher and Catherine Caliri.  When Nina was about eight years old, the family moved from Massachusetts to Newark, NJ.  While living with her family in Newark, Nina attended Central High School and graduated with the class of 1945.  Nina found work quickly after graduating from high school as a secretary at Prudential Insurance in Newark.  Nina worked there for about six years.

As a young lady in Newark Nina met a cute boy named Dominick Darpino. Nina was just eight years old and the two of them would walk down the street, holding hands, to get ice cream sodas. They were true childhood sweethearts.

Dominick proposed to Nina in 1950 just before he went into the Army. They were married in 1951 at St. Frances RC Church in Newark and honeymooned in California.  After Dominick returned from his service with the United States Army, Nina devoted herself to becoming a full time homemaker, nurturing and caring for her husband and three sons, Christopher, Dean, and Robert.  The couple settled in Newark after first getting married and as their family grew they moved to Wayne in 1962 where they raised their children and have been ever since.

Nina was devoted to her Catholic Faith and was a parishioner of Our Lady of the Valley RC Church for many years.  She was also involved and volunteered at the charitable organization Wayne Unico, where they helped their local community by raising money for scholarships and other various efforts.  Nina was an avid golfer and was also a long time member of the North Jersey Country Club with her husband Dominick, it was their “Home Away from Home.”   Nina and Dominick also owned a condo in Hillsborough, FL where they spent their winters from January till March.  They also frequented Massachusetts where they often visited family.

Nina’s true calling was being a mom, she lived for her sons and husband.  She was an outstanding cook, her meatballs and Christmas cookies were famous throughout her family and friends.  Dinner was on the table at 5:30 every night, no exceptions!  Nina loved hosting Sunday dinners and holidays with all of her family.  She was ferociously protective of her boys and was the “best mom and best friend anyone could have.” She was always happy, and bubbly, generous and kind with everyone she met.  Nina and Dominick cherished 65 years of loving and loyal marriage until Dominick’s passing in February of 2016.  Nina was a very special person who touched the lives of many people and will be sincerely missed by her family and friends alike.

Nina is survived by her three sons; Christopher Darpino and his wife Lynda of Wayne, Dean Darpino and his wife Colleen of Wayne, and Robert Darpino and his wife Cynthia of Wayne, one sister Gail Pisciotta of Verona, six grandchildren; Lisa Onnembo and her husband Giovanni of Wayne, Tara McHugh and her husband Patrick of Wayne, Melissa Darpino of Wayne, Danielle Darpino of Wayne, Connor Darpino of Wayne, and Brynn Darpino of Wayne, her niece Cathyanne, her nephew Jason, as well as her nephews Stephen, Danny, and Jimmy, and her nieces Nina, Kathy, Susan, Michelle, and Debbie, three great grandchildren; Giuliana, Nicholas, and Alexa. She was predeceased by her husband Dominick on February 27, 2016.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Nina’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial Processing, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.