Faye Mary Scalera (nee Capezzera) passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family on Friday, Feb. 5, 2021. She was 87.
Faye was born on April 11, 1933, in Newark, N.J., one of the “Greatest Generation.” She graduated from Arts High School in Newark, N.J., where she met her husband, “Big Mike.” aye and Mike were married for 60 years and raised their five children in West Orange, Livingston, Roxbury, and Chester before residing in Sparta, N.J., for almost 20 years.
Anyone who knew Faye knew the love and devotion she had for her family. Faye was the Scalera family matriarch and truly the one responsible for the family’s unbelievable bond.
Together, Faye and Mike were sticklers for the Italian family traditions: St. Joseph’s Day, Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. Faye made sure the family came together and celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, and all the other holidays in between (aka the “Italian Guilt”). Cooking and baking for these gatherings became a ritual that are now handed down to the “fab five,” her children: Anna, Michelle, Michael, Marcy and Marc, who are the next generation entrusted to “pass the torch” and carry on these beloved family traditions into the future.
Faye had the biggest heart and was generous beyond measure. Faye taught her children and grandchildren including her in-laws about morals, respect and being selfless to others. Whether it was making a meal for a family in need, sending a card, flowers, support or a gift to someone who needed a “pick me up.” These kind gestures came from the goodness of her heart. She will be missed by so many who had the opportunity to come in contact with this amazing woman in the past 87 years on this earth. The Gates of Heaven have opened their arms for this beautiful angel. Riposare in Pace, Faye Mary Scalera.
Faye was predeceased by her husband, Michael J. Scalera II, and mother, Anna Capezzera.
She was mother to Anna Maria Romano, Michelle Stecky, Michael J. Scalera III, Marcella Scalera-Budd, and Marc-Anthony Scalera; beloved grandmother to Danielle Del Sordo and Robert Romano II, Olivia and Victoria Stecky, Michael J. IV and Nicole Scalera, Giana and Celena Budd, Marc Anthony Jr. and Delaney “Carmella” Scalera; and great-grandson Marco A. Grasso; in addition her beloved sister, Sue (Capezzera) Antini; brother, Anthony Capezzera; her cherished in-laws, Robert Romano, Raymond Stecky, Barbara Scalera and David Budd Sr.; and loving nieces and nephews.
Private funeral services will be held Friday, Feb. 12, at 10 a.m. at Saint Rose of Lima Church, 312 Ridgedale Avenue East Hanover, N.J.
There will be a livestream of her service via the church website, saintroseoflimachurch.org (from the main menu select “faith formation” then “resources” to find “Stream Mass Live.”)
Entombment will follow in the Gates of Heaven Roman Catholic Cemetery, East Hanover, N.J.
Arrangements were made by Leonardis Memorial Home, Florham Park, N.J. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice. Faye was all about family and dear friends, so prayers and comforting each other at this time is all our mother would have wanted.