Romana Vella

Romana Romeo/Vella (nee Cortese), age 84, of Margate, NJ, and formerly of Hammonton, NJ, passed away on November 28, 2024, with her loving family by her side.

Romana was born and raised in Tropea, Italy, in a close-knit family of nine. She cherished her upbringing and the strong bonds she formed with her siblings. In her early twenties, she married the love of her life, Gaetano Romeo, who brought her to the United States to start a new chapter together. Romana embraced her new home with open arms, finding joy in creating a warm and loving environment for her family. She enjoyed cooking traditional Italian meals, gardening, and sharing stories of her homeland, which brought her immense joy and pride.

Romana was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gaetano Romeo, and her parents, Saverio Cortese and Caterina Angio.

She is survived by her devoted children, Antoinette Romeo Wood, Catherine Romeo Rappaport, Gaetano Romeo, and Maria Luisa Vella, along with her current cherished siblings, Pasquale and Sandro Cortese. As a loving Nonna, she adored her grandchildren-Adrianna, Rachel, Riley, Samuel, and Landon-who brought her endless happiness and laughter.

Funeral services were held privately, with burial in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Hammonton, NJ, arranged by Marinella Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Romana's memory to the Humane Society of Atlantic County at https://humanesocietyac.org/donate/.