Kathleen Marie Stirone's Obituary
Kathleen Stirone, age 89, of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2026, at Cadia – Renaissance Long Term Care, following complications from congestive heart failure, obstructive pulmonary disease, and respiratory failure.
Kathleen was born on October 30, 1936, in Jersey City, New Jersey, to Julius DiStaso and Mamie DiStaso (née Giricello). She was a proud Jersey City native whose strength, resilience, and warmth defined her life.
On January 5, 1958, Kathleen married the love of her life, Valentine Stirone, in Jersey City. Together they built a family and welcomed four sons. Her life took a profound turn when Valentine passed away from cancer in 1979 at the age of 43. Left to raise four young boys on her own, Kathleen faced this challenge with determination and courage. A tough Jersey City girl at heart, she leaned on family and friends, remained deeply devoted to her church, and provided her sons with unwavering guidance, security, and love.
Kathleen worked as a teacher’s assistant and was actively involved in her parish community, most notably running church bingo for 17 years—an activity she truly loved. Bingo remained a favorite pastime throughout her life, along with watching classic movies, cooking, entertaining, and listening to books on tape.
Later in life, Kathleen moved to Florida with her mother and lovingly cared for her. Due to declining eyesight, she eventually returned to New Jersey to be closer to her children. Nearly two years ago, she relocated to Delaware, where she resided in a senior independent living community that she truly enjoyed. Determined to maintain her independence, Kathleen embraced this chapter fully—making many friends, sharing meals, playing bingo, attending special events, and enjoying movies in the in-house theater. Her caring nature was evident to all who knew her, as she was always concerned for the well-being of her children, family, and friends.
Kathleen is survived by her children: Marc Stirone, Denise V. Stirone, Robert V. Stirone, Maria Rossi Stirone, Steven J. Stirone, Jodi Stirone, Christopher J. Stirone, and Jennifer Walsh; her grandchildren: Amanda Stirone Mansfield, Jeremy Stirone, Chelsea Stirone, Deanna LaGatto Banach, Nicole LaGatto, Christopher Stirone, and Gianna Stirone; and her great-grandchildren: Peter Mansfield, Isabel Mansfield, Scarlett Banach, and Cameron Stirone. She is also survived by her brothers, Julius DiStaso and Patrick DiStaso; her sisters-in-law, Virginia DiStaso and Carol DiStaso; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Kathleen was predeceased by her husband, Valentine Stirone; her parents, Julius and Mamie DiStaso; her brothers, Fred DiStaso and James DiStaso; and her sisters-in-law, Dorothy DiStaso and Carol DiStaso, along with several other beloved family members.
A funeral Mass will be held at Queen of Peace Church, 10 Franklin Pl., North Arlington, New Jersey 07031, on March 20, 2026, at 9:45 a.m. Interment will follow at Holy Name Cemetery, Jersey City, New Jersey.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kathleen’s memory to the American Heart Association at https://www.heart.org/en/why-give or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/donate/
Kathleen Stirone will be remembered for her strength, independence, devotion to family, and the quiet grace with which she lived her life.
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