Marie (Forgione) Anania, 89, of Middletown and most recently a resident of The Atrium at Navesink Harbor, Red Bank, passed away April 9 at Riverview Medical Center. She was born June 5, 1930 in Bellville to Anthony and Theresa (Di Benedetto) Forgione.
Marie married Joseph J. Anania Sr. (Bronx, New York and Montclair) in June 1954. Marie graduated from Newark State Teachers College (Kean University) with a degree in education. She started her teaching career in her hometown of Belleville. Marie and Joe moved to Middletown, where she spent more than 30 years as an elementary school teacher and later a reading resource specialist in the Middletown Township Public School District. After retirement, she served as an adjunct professor at Monmouth University.
For many years, Marie served as a board member of the Middletown Public Library and, together with her husband, actively supported the local arts community. Music, opera and literature were her true passions, which she instilled in her sons and grandchildren. Marie was a devout parishioner at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Middletown. She will be remembered for her commitment to education, her dedication to her family and the countless sacrifices she made on behalf of those she loved.
Marie was survived by her husband Joseph J. Anania Sr. (who passed away April 12); her three sons, Joseph J. Anania Jr. and wife Janice of Colts Neck, Dr. William C. Anania and wife Pamela of Middletown, and Anthony Anania and wife Laura of Cocoa, Florida; grandchildren Mark H. Anania, Esq. and wife Lauren of Maplewood, Andrew M. Anania and wife Catherine of Merion Station, Pennsylvania, and William C. Anania Jr. of Brooklyn; and great-grandchildren Hadley, Campbell, Harper and Piper.
In addition to her parents, her sister Elizabeth (Forgione) Forte and brother-in-law Pat For te of Newark, preceded her in death.
A memorial service will be planned later this year to celebrate Marie’s life once it is safe to host such gatherings. Donations in celebration of Marie’s life can be made to the Middletown Arts Center.
Arrangements are under the direction of John F. Pfleger Funeral Home.
This article originally appeared in the April 16th, 2020 print edition of The Two River Times.
