Obituary of Ann J Acocella

Ann Acocella (nee Kopko) passed away peacefully at her home in Tewksbury Township, NJ on March 12, 2023 surrounded by loved ones. Ann was born in her childhood home in Newark, NJ in 1926 to her parents, George and Anna. She was married to Emmett who preceded her in death in 1996. Ann led a life full of kindness and joy. All who knew her would agree she was the sweetest woman who always made everyone feel welcome. 

A graduate of Newark Central High School, early in her adult life Ann worked as a legal secretary at the law firm of Shanley & Fischer. Later in her career, Ann served her community as a librarian for the Newark Public Library’s First Avenue branch. 

An avid crocheter, Ann created countless afghans, scarves, and hats which she donated to local hospitals to comfort cancer patients and newborns. Even in her later years, Ann could always be found reading or doing crossword puzzles. 

Ann had a love of music, especially Frank Sinatra, and spent most of her days singing along to his songs, much to the dismay of her daughter-in-law, Christine. 

At 96 years of age, Ann witnessed her fair share of inventions and milestones. A few things Ann was older than: sliced bread, television, the Empire State Building, Kool Aid, Elmer’s Glue, Penicillin, sunglasses, helicopters, Pez candy, bubble gum, Scotch Tape, ballpoint pens, and canned beer.

Ann is survived by her son, Paul and his wife, Christine; her stepchildren Estelle, Emmett and his wife, Pam; her grandchildren, Michele, Christine, William, and Nicholas; several great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews who called her Teta Honey. Ann was also fortunate to have a loving aide and friend, Veronica Olsen, who cared for her for over seven years. She was predeceased by her sons, Stephen and Christopher.

Friends may visit with the family on Friday, March 17, 2023 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the Kearns Funeral Home, 103 Old Highway 28,  Whitehouse.

A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday at 9:30 AM at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Whitehouse Station.

Entombment will be in St. Bernard Cemetery, Bridgewater.