Maria Campo, age 104, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, at her home in Belmar Jan. 27, 2025.
Born in Hoboken and raised in Union City, Maria later settled in the New Monmouth section of Middletown to raise her family. For the past 25 years, Belmar and its beautiful shore have been her home.
Maria embodied the very essence of a cosmopolitan woman. A lifetime member of the Beacon Hill Country Club in Atlantic Highlands, she exuded elegance in every aspect of her life. She was an avid ballroom dancer, a fashion icon with an impeccable sense of style, and a gifted seamstress.
Maria’s adventurous spirit knew no bounds; she and her husband traveled the globe together, becoming among the first to experience the Concorde and the QE2. At home, her cooking was the heart of the household. Many of her recipes were featured in the Asbury Park Press, yet she was most renowned for her signature sponge cake, a dessert that became a cherished birthday tradition.
Above all, Maria’s greatest joy came from the moments she spent with her family, filling every gathering with warmth, laughter and love. She had deep and meaningful friendships her entire life and imparted the tenet that friends are a reflection of your best self – a lesson held close to her family’s heart.
Maria never forgot her roots, which contributed to her captivating character. She maintained strong ties to her Italian relatives, whom she loved dearly. Her heritage was woven into her life, from the stories she shared to the recipes she prepared, reminding everyone of the importance of family, tradition and staying grounded no matter how far life takes you.
She was a devoted member of the Catholic Daughters and the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge, reflecting her commitment to service and connection with others. She was a member of the community at St. Catharine’s Church in Spring Lake and a former parishioner at St. Mary’s Church in Middletown.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 57 years, Anthony Campo, in 2004; her son Phillip Campo in 1999; her daughter Lucia Campo in 2024; her brothers, Andrew, Frank and Anthony Salvo; her sisters, Vita, Carmela and Antoinette; her son-in-law Charlie Nolan; and her dog Princie.
Surviving are her loving children: Anthony Campo, M.D., and his partner Ron Vazquez; Connie Nolan; Dr. Maria Campo Kolarsick and her husband Paul; and Carolyn Campo Marcolus, Esq. and her husband Richard, Esq. She is also survived by her 11 grandchildren: Maria Thompson, Gina Campo, Ursula Berg, Ali Nolan, Victoria Nolan, Noah Kolarsick, Lauren Shellock, Paul Kolarsick, M.D., Lisa Kolarsick, Daniel Kolarsick, and Lauren Marcolus, as well as her 16 great-grandchildren.
A viewing was held Feb. 2 at O’Brien Funeral Home in Wall. A Mass of Christian Burial was offered Feb. 3 at St. Catharine’s Church in Spring Lake, followed by the interment at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Middletown.
To send condolences to the family, please visit obrienfuneralhome.com.
The article originally appeared in the February 13 – 19, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
