Fusco, Maria Ana C. “Mary Ann” (nee Castronovo), age 67, of Leonia, on Friday, April 19, 2024. Beloved wife of Pasquale “Pat” Fusco, and mother of Alexander Fusco and Andrew Fusco and his wife Andrea. Cherished daughter of Paola Castronovo (nee Sciortino) and the late Rosario Castronovo, and loving sister of Pietra “Pat” Carboneri and her husband, Carl. Adored aunt of Daniela Stigh (nee Carboneri) and her husband, Jonas, and sons Liam, Max and Dylan, Marc Carboneri, and Dino Carboneri and his wife, Lesley, and children Ava and Luca. Dear sister-in-law of Gerardo Fusco and Assunta Fusco.

Mary Ann was born in Caracas, Venezuela and came to the United States in April 1960. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa in three years from New York University, majoring in Journalism and minoring in Italian and Spanish. She later earned a master’s degree in Italian literature from Rutgers University and was inducted into Phi Sigma Iota. Her passion for Italian culture, food and the arts blossomed into a long and fulfilling career as a Writer and Editor at Businessweek Careers and Attenzione Magazine, with additional work featured in The New York Times, The Star-Ledger, The Bergen Record, Travel & Leisure, and New Jersey Monthly, among other publications. Later in her career, she developed a passion for writing plays, having completed multiple projects on subjects close to her heart.

Mary Ann most enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, traveling, gardening and cooking authentic Italian cuisine. She was also instrumental in ensuring the formal recognition of Italian Military Internees, which resulted in her father posthumously receiving an Italian Medal of Honor from the Italian Embassy in New York City. She spent her last days surrounded by her loved ones, who will remember her for her warmth, intelligence, and the incredible love she showed to those around her.

The family will receive their friends on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM at the Frank A. Patti and Kenneth Mikatarian Funeral Home 327 Main Street “opposite the Fort Lee Library”.  The funeral will leave Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 10:00 AM for the celebration of her funeral mass in St. John’s R. C. Church at 10:30 AM.  For condolences, directions, or information visit www.frankpatti.com or call (201) 944-0100.