Nancy Simonetti passed away peacefully Aug. 5, 2025, surrounded by her children at her home in Middletown. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother (known as Nana).
In her 102 years, she was a kind and bright light to many friends and strangers who were lucky enough to cross her path.
Nancy was predeceased by her husband, Pasquale Simonetti, her son-in-law William Nurthen II, her brother Philip Genovese, and her stepsister Marie Esposito. She is survived by her children, Donna Nurthen, Philip (Diane) Simonetti, Patrice Simonetti, and Joseph Simonetti; her grandchildren, William (Jennifer) Nurthen III, Ann (John) Harlow, Nancy (Jenelle) Nurthen, Kara (Parker) Gibson, Kathleen (Scott) Strongarone, Jeanne (Kevin) Jones, Patrick Nurthen, Alexandra (Rich) Ingordo, and JR (Jamie) Klagues; and her great-grandchildren, Emma Knight, Caroline Harlow, Lily Nurthen, Jack Harlow, Julia Nurthen, Matt Harlow, William Nurthen IV, Paul Nurthen, Grace Gibson, Lucy Jones, Wyatt Gibson, Haley Jones, Mila Strongarone, Miriam Nurthen, Charlie Ingordo, Brendan Jones, Elizabeth Ingordo, Michael Nurthen, and Adora Klagues.
Nancy was born in Ozone Park, New York. She attended Marymount High School and, in 1945, she graduated from Marymount College in Tarrytown, New York, with a Bachelor of Arts in French. She did advanced studies at Laval University, Quebec, and Fordham University in the Bronx.
Deeply devoted to her faith, she was a long-time parishioner of St. Agnes Church in Atlantic Highlands, where she was a member of the St. Jude’s Guild and the Altar and Rosary Society. She would go on to teach for 30 years at St. Agnes School, most of those years teaching kindergarten. She also taught CCD at St. Agnes Parish and St. Michael’s Church in West End. She introduced many generations to the wonder of education and faith and is fondly remembered by her former students.
Her greatest passion was her family. She was a true matriarch, caring for and supporting her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in every endeavor and challenge, and celebrating their successes. Her Sunday family dinners and holiday dinners were legendary, full of conversation, laughter and incredible food; everyone was welcome and nobody ever left hungry. She was always there for her family, sometimes despite great distance, and there was no problem that she could not help talk through. Sometimes, just hearing her voice was enough. A guiding light of grace, humility, kindness, and unconditional love, her presence will be deeply missed.
The family would like to thank the following team of doctors for their excellent medical care: Dr. Sarah Morris, Dr. Jeffrey Daniels, Dr. Jeffrey Selan, Dr. Joseph DiFazio, Dr. Ronald Kristan, and Dr. David LaPorta. Additionally, Nancy’s family expresses their deep gratitude to neighbor and friend Irene Monroe, night aide Mellisa Gay-Gibbs, and the team at Holisticare Hospice for their dedicated support and loving care. A special thank you to Father Al Tamayo and the priests and brothers of the Red Bank Oratory for tending to her spiritual needs.
Visitation was held Aug. 8 at Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Aug. 8 at St. Anthony of Padua Church, Red Bank. Interment followed at Woodbine Cemetery in Oceanport.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Nancy’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org and Maryknoll Fathers & Brothers at maryknollsociety.org.
The article originally appeared in the August 7 – 13, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
