With profound sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of Anna Guerriero, age 95, of Bridgewater, NJ, on Monday, September 23, 2024, surrounded by her loving family at Hunterdon Medical Center, Flemington, NJ.

Born in the picturesque village of Avella, Provincia Di Avellino, Italy, on January 2, 1929, Anna grew up in a vibrant household as one of 14 children. Though three siblings were lost at birth, she grew up alongside seven sisters and three brothers, the cherished daughter of Maria Davanzo-Pedalino and Giacchino Pedalino. Anna often reminisced about her childhood in Avella, with its rolling hills and fruitful olive groves. She found joy in cultivating filberts, cherries, and olives for oil, and spoke fondly of the deep admiration she had for her father and the life he provided for their family.

In 1951, Anna left her beloved Italy and crossed the Atlantic to start a new chapter in the United States with her soulmate, Carmine Guerriero, whom she had married in Pompeii. Settling in Newark, NJ, Anna and Carmine built a beautiful life together, raising their beloved daughter, Gianna Gugliotti, while establishing themselves as proud business owners. They operated Carmine’s Food Market, Dairy Jean’s Ice Cream Parlor, and a pizzeria, all while managing apartment houses. Anna embraced her new life in Newark but kept her Italian heritage alive in everything she did—whether through her involvement with St. Lucy’s Church or by passing on cherished customs and traditions to her daughter.

Anna’s warmth extended beyond her family, and she became a pillar of the community. She later welcomed her youngest sister Elisa to America and introduced her to the man who would become her husband, Antimo Russano, a match that further enriched the family’s bonds.

In 1970, Anna and Carmine moved to Gillette, NJ, for a new adventure, running another food store before realizing Anna’s lifelong dream of owning farmland. In 1979, they purchased a beautiful 60-acre farm in Frenchtown, NJ, where Anna’s love of the land blossomed. For 35 years, she created a sanctuary filled with animals, crops, and gardens. The farm was not only home but also the backdrop for countless family gatherings and celebrations, where her grandson, Nicola Carmine Gugliotti, made memories that would last a lifetime—riding dirt bikes, fishing, and enjoying the simple joys of farm life under the loving gaze of his grandparents.

Anna’s passion for caring for others also found expression in her work as a dietary aide at Hunterdon Medical Center, a position she held for over 35 years. Known for her compassion and kindness, she touched the lives of countless colleagues and patients, leaving behind a legacy of warmth and generosity.

In 2015, Anna moved to Bridgewater, NJ, where she lived with her daughter Gianna, son-in-law Domenico, and grandson Nicola. She spent her days doing the things she loved most—cooking, gardening, and spending time with her family. Anna was famous for tending to her 50-year-old limoncello lemon trees and for her legendary Sunday sauce, which filled her home with the scent of love and tradition. Her vibrant presence extended to her community, where she was cherished by all who knew her. Her heart was as big as her hospitality, always ready to lend a helping hand and offer a comforting smile.

Anna’s life was defined by devotion—to her family, to her roots, and to the people around her. She was a woman of boundless energy, a heart full of gold, and an indomitable spirit that will live on in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and the rich traditions of her Italian heritage.

Anna will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the stories, meals, and traditions she passed down to her family and friends. Her light continues to shine in the hearts of her daughter Gianna, her son-in-law Domenico, her grandson Nicola, and all who knew and loved her.

Rest in peace, Anna. You were truly a treasure, and your memory will live on forever in the hearts of those who loved you.

Anna will lie in repose on Sunday, September 29, 2024, from 2:00-6:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ.

A Catholic Vigil service officiated by Rev. John Primich, followed by reflections from family and friends, will take place at 4:00 p.m on Sunday and to which all are welcome.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, September 30, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Lucy’s Roman Catholic Church, 118 7th Avenue, Newark, NJ 07104, under the care and direction of Wright & Ford. Everyone is kindly asked to meet directly at church on Monday morning beginning at 10:15 a.m.

Entombment next to her beloved husband, Carmine, will take place immediately following mass at Good Shepherd Mausoleum at Hollywood Memorial Park, 1500 Stuyvesant Avenue, Union, NJ 07083, and again, all are welcome.

You are encouraged to visit Anna’s permanent life celebration site at www.wrightfamily.com to leave messages of condolence, share words of comfort and recollection, and post photographs of her life.

In lieu of flowers, the Guerriero family kindly asks that those who wish to make a contribution in honor of  Anna’s life do so to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, via mail to 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or online by clicking HERE.

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Wright & Ford, your local, family owned & operated “Life Celebration Home”

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