Ann M. Zarella of Bradley Beach died peacefully in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, while visiting family March 20, 2026.
Born Jan. 7, 1931, in Paterson to Rose H. Messineo and Anthony J. Messineo, Ann was the eldest of three girls. A brilliant student, Ann attended Benedictine Academy and graduated with honors from Trinity College in Washington, D.C. She later earned a master’s degree in counseling from Kean University.
Ann worked as a chemist and later taught chemistry at Mater Dei High School and Long Branch High School. A gifted educator, she was an inspiration to scores of students. Her love of learning stayed with her throughout her life.
While in college, Ann met Dominic Zarella; they were married from 1954 until his death in 2000. Together they settled and raised a family in Leonardo and later Bradley Beach.
Also preceding her in death are her parents and her sister and brother-in-law, Elizabeth M. and Alexander A. Tunnard.
She is survived by her children: Rosemary Monaco (Angelo) of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Paul Zarella (Barbara) of Bradley Beach; David Zarella of San Diego, California; Elizabeth Flanagan (Kenneth) of Westerly, Rhode Island; Edward Zarella of Bradley Beach; and Michael Zarella of Long Branch. Also surviving are her sister and brother-in-law, Joan and George Beck.
Ann was a devoted grandmother to 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She was also a loving aunt to her many nieces and nephews.
She will be remembered for her warmth and enthusiasm for her family and her many dear friends who offered support and companionship in her later years. Ann loved living at the shore and enjoyed traveling, especially her trips to Ireland. She also loved refinishing furniture, antiquing, and baking her famous coffee cakes. She was a tireless champion for her grandchildren, cheering them on in all their endeavors.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Bradley Food Pantry, 101 3rd Ave., Neptune City, NJ 07753. Ann was a lifelong advocate for people facing food insecurity. She worked for years to ensure that local families had access to adequate meals.
Services for Ann will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. April 9 at Reilly-Bonner Funeral Home in Belmar.
A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. April 10 at Church of the Ascension, Bradley Beach.
The article originally appeared in the April 9 – 15, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times.
