Obituary of Anna Mastrobuono
Anna Mastrobuono, 95, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2023 at home in Hillsborough, NJ, with her family around her. Anna was born on December 15, 1927 in Boiano, Italy. Her parents, Francesco and Carmina Mastrangelo, had their own small farm and vineyard. Growing up, Anna went to school, attended Mass with her family in the neighborhood church, learned to cook and sew and knit, and shared farm and household chores with her sister Maria and her brother Giovanni. Her family, which lived through World War II, was always close -- working and resting together, and sharing the warmth of the fireplace on winter evenings.
In 1948, Anna married her childhood sweetheart Domenico Mastrobuono and, soon after, emigrated to the United States to start her new life. Anna and Domenico lived in New Brunswick, Manville, and Bound Brook before settling in Middlesex, NJ. They made a home for themselves, their children Vicky, Tina and Leo, and Domenico's mother. Anna and Domenico became hairdressers and had their own beauty salon, Leon's, in Middlesex for more than 20 years. Working full time and taking care of a home and family meant long days and hard work, which Anna did without complaining. Her priority was to give her family the best life she could and to make sure that they were always well fed with her wonderful cooking!
Anna's family grew to include new beloved members. Granddaughter Domenica (the daughter of Leo and the late Maria Milo) and her husband Danny D’Imperio gave Anna the precious gift of great-granddaughter Mia Jean. When Vicky and her husband David Braun were married, Anna’s family continued to grow with their family of children Mike (Lisa), Scott (Cindy), Karen (the late Bob Besserer) and grandchildren Michael (Kristie), Joey, Emily, Danny, Liam, Greg, Justin, Aidan, Reilly, Katie, Max, and Luna. In addition, many wonderful friends and extended family were always welcomed by Anna to visit and share a meal. While family members in Italy were far away, Anna always kept them close in her heart and thoughts. Over the years, she was able to enjoy many visits with family in Italy.
Anna always gave unselfishly of her time, patience, love, and wisdom to all her family and friends. She shared her deep religious faith and spirituality with each one. Though quiet and unassuming, Anna was the strong, stable foundation for her family. While so very saddened that Anna is no longer here, her family feels blessed to have had her love and tender care and will admire, cherish, and love her forever.
A visitation will be held at Middlesex Funeral Home, 528 Bound Brook Road, Middlesex, NJ, on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, from 4 PM to 8 PM.
A funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of Mount Virgin Church, 600 Harris Avenue Middlesex, NJ, on Thursday, July 6, 2023 at 10:30 AM. Family and friends may gather at the funeral home beginning at 9:30 AM.
Burial will follow at Resurrection Burial Park, 899 Lincoln Avenue, Piscataway, NJ.
If friends and family should choose to do so, donations may be made in lieu of flowers to Boys Town, or St. Anthony’s Bread Franciscan Mission Associates, in Anna’s name.