Eleanor J. DePonte, 99, of Red Bank, passed away peacefully Sept. 27, 2025, at her home, surrounded by her family. Born in Long Branch, she was the youngest child of Frank and Angelina DeSantis. Eleanor was a graduate of Long Branch High School. She worked as a sales associate at the Bon Ton in Asbury Park and, in later years, after her children were grown, at Alexander’s in Monmouth Mall.
In 1948 she married the love of her life, Peter DePonte, whom she met through Peter’s sister Rachel when he came home on leave from the Coast Guard. Together they resided in Red Bank, where they raised their family.
Eleanor was a fantastic cook and her family and friends could never get enough of her mouth-watering meatballs and her delicious Christmas cookies, both of which were always in demand. She loved shopping, playing bingo, going to the racetrack and casino trips to Atlantic City, but most of all, she loved the weekly poker games with her family, at which no one could ever bluff her.
Eleanor was predeceased by her beloved husband Peter; her son Peter James (“Butchie”); her parents; her brothers, Felix, Henry and Edward DeSantis; and a sister, Frances Crompton.
She is survived by her daughter Judy (Edward) White of Red Bank; her son Jeffrey (Donna) DePonte of Toms River; seven grandchildren, Edward, Kimberly, Michael, James, Rachel, Peter and Catherine; nine great-grandchildren, Isabella, Peter, Scott, Colbie, Anna Marie, Alex, Anthony, Vincent and Adam; and one great-great grandson Luke.
Visitation was held Oct. 1 at Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank. The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Oct. 2 at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Ocean County Memorial Park in Toms River.
The article originally appeared in the October 2 – 8, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
