Maureen Canzoneri, 93, passed away peacefully Jan. 1, 2025, in Shrewsbury.
Maureen was born July 7, 1931, in Bronx, New York, to James Neary and Laura Bridget Neary née O’Donnell. After completing high school in the Bronx, the always glamorous Maureen embarked on a brief career as a runway fashion model in Manhattan before going on to become an administrative assistant at Holt Construction Corporation and Sharp Electronics.
She married her first husband, Arthur Seitter, in 1955 and they resided in Yonkers, New York, and Emerson with their two children.
In 1972, Maureen met and married Thomas Canzoneri and they shared 50 years of happiness and companionship.
Maureen loved music. For many years she started the day by listening to tunes by Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee and Neil Diamond on “Make Believe Ballroom,” a local radio show on WNEW. Her children credit their enthusiasm for music to this daily ritual.
Maureen also loved to read and loved her dogs; there was never a time in her adult life that she did not enjoy the companionship of her canine friends. Most of all, Maureen was a loving mother and devoted grandmother who would move heaven and earth for her children and grandchildren. One of her greatest joys was becoming a great-grandmother to her little Josephine Rose in 2022.
Maureen’s life was a beautiful illustration of the impact one person can have on the world around them. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her, but her spirit will live on through the love she shared and the lives she touched.
Maureen was predeceased by her parents, husband Thomas, son Arthur Seitter and son-in-law William Riker. She is survived by her daughter Margaret Seitter Riker; daughter-in-law Ellen Seitter; grandchildren, Katherine Riker, John Riker, Edward Riker and Olivia Seitter; and great-granddaughter Josephine DeFlumeri. She is also survived by Thomas’ son Kevin Canzoneri.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held Jan. 7 at The Church of the Nativity, Fair Haven. A burial followed the Mass at Fair View Cemetery, Middletown.
Thompson Memorial Home in Red Bank has been entrusted with the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Visiting Nurse Association Health Group at vnahg.org or by calling 732-224-6973.
The family would like to thank Maureen’s caregivers at Sunrise of Shrewsbury, Evolving Care, her health care team at Riverview Medical Center and the dedicated nurses of VNA for their compassionate care.
“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die”
– Thomas Campbell
The article originally appeared in the January 30 – February 6, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
