Anne M. Zeller, 84, of Middletown, passed away peacefully Dec. 1. The matriarch of the family, she was most affectionately known as “Da.” She was born in Orange and raised in West Orange where she graduated from West Orange High School in 1953.
She and her husband Bob settled in Middletown in 1965 where they raised their five children. She became entrenched in hers sons’ sporting events, community and St. Mary’s Church. She was a member of Catholic Daughters of the Americas for over 50 years.
Anne was a fabulous cook and entertainer. She loved everything about it, especially being surrounded by her family and friends. She loved the beach, especially her summer vacations in Belmar. She will fondly be remembered for being the life of the party, having the gift of gab and her hysterical sense of humor. She was a legend and touched every single person she met with kindness, generosity and laughter. Da will be sorely missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
Surviving are her daughter and son-in-law, Francesca and Dean Graziano; sons and daughters-in-law, Dreux and Joanne Zeller, Edward and Kelly Zeller, Gerard Zeller (Tracy Guerriero), and Barbara Zeller; beloved grandchildren Travis (Amanda Leone) and Stephanie Zeller, Robert, Matthew (Megan DeGrushe), Alexandra Graziano, Christopher Zeller (Charlie Arcarese), Madison and Joseph Zeller.
Also surviving are her sister-in-law Jane Young; lifelong friends Ann Pellegrino, Grace Moschberger and Ethel Desmond; along with many other lifelong friends, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Anne was preceded in death by her husband Robert Zeller in 1996; son Christopher Zeller in 2014; and her beloved companion dog Yogi just two weeks ago.
Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. Dec. 5 at John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, 115 Tindall Road, Middletown. Funeral services will be held Dec. 6 at 9:30 a.m. at the funeral home. A Funeral Liturgy will be offered at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Chapel, 26 Leonardville Road, Middletown. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Middletown.
In lieu of flowers a donation in Anne’s name can be made to the SPCA at spca.org.
For more information or to send condolences, please visit pflegerfuneralhome.com.
