Marilyn R. DiSanto

Marilyn R. DiSanto, 79, of Middletown, NJ passed away in Howell, NJ Saturday, September 7, with family at her side. She waged a courageous battle against Alzheimer’s disease and renal failure.

Marilyn was born in Red Bank, New Jersey on May 27, 1940, a daughter of the late Gilda (Rettino) and Bernard DiSanto. Marilyn’s legacy also includes seven god-children spanning two generations. She lived and worked for most of her life in Matawan, New Jersey.

A sociable, spirited, and vibrant woman, Marilyn was known for always sharing a smile, a laugh, and a story. She opened her heart to many, developing lifelong friendships from elementary school through college and career. Marilyn was a devoted friend and a beloved family member to whom many turned in times of need.

Marilyn was a beloved elementary school teacher in the Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School district. She taught second grade and reading at Broad Street, Cliffwood, and Strathmore elementary schools. Marilyn spoke fondly of many encounters with her former students as adults in the streets and shops of Matawan.

A 1958 graduate of Matawan High School, Marilyn was a member of the cheerleading squad. She went on to earn her college degree in education from Kean (Newark State) College. Marilyn was also a long-time volunteer at Bayshore Community Hospital in Holmdel, New Jersey, working in the dietary department. After her retirement from teaching, she was employed by the hospital in a similar role. She served as president of the Bayshore Community Hospital Auxiliary from 1996 to 2000.

Marilyn held her hometown of Matawan in her heart long after relocating in retirement. She worked actively to preserve the heritage of the Italian immigrant families that settled there, compiling and contributing family stories and photographs to the book “Precious Cargo - A Collection of Stories from the Italian Immigrants of Matawan, New Jersey.” Marilyn was also a former president of the Matawan Italian American Association Ladies Auxiliary, serving from 1978 to 1979.

A creative and artistic soul, and an avid painter, many of Marilyn’s paintings hang in her home. Marilyn also loved to dance. She practiced many forms throughout her youth, including tap and ballet. Marilyn was a member of the Monmouth County Arts Society.

Marilyn is predeceased by her parents and her brother Eugene DiSanto and nephews Louis and Kevin DiSanto. She is survived by her niece Stephanie DiSanto, nephew Brian and his wife Maranda DiSanto, and cherished grand-nephew Benjamin DiSanto.

Visitation for Marilyn will be Wednesday September 11, 2019 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at Day Funeral Home 361 Maple Place, Keyport, NJ 07735 and again Thursday morning 10am prior to Mass. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11am at St. Joseph's RCC, Keyport. Cremation will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

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