Jill (Novaco) Festa

Please see revised days and times for the visitation and Mass.

Jill (Gilda) Novaco Festa, age 104 of Clifton passed away peacefully at home on November 25, 2025. Born to the late Sabino and Louisa Salierno Novaco in Newark on July 4, 1921. She was also raised in Newark and attended Barringer High School.

On April 11, 1948, Jill married her beloved husband, Ray Festa for 26 years. Their relationship was built on true love and devotion. Together they created a home grounded in stability, care, and a shared commitment to giving their children a secure and loving place to grow. He preceded her on May 21, 1974. She is also predeceased by her six siblings. Jill and Ray settled in Nutley as newlyweds. They moved to Clifton in 1964.

Jill was a selfless, compassionate and generous lady. She enjoyed spending time with her family, siblings and friends. Jill was a diligent, meticulous, and efficient homemaker. She had a keen sense of fashion. Her interests included: needlepoint, reading, music, gardening and home decorating. Jill was a devoted parishioner of St. Philip the Apostle Church where she was a member of the Columbiettes.

Jill is survived by her daughters and their families: Barbara Fritsch and her husband, Alfred, Valerie Festa, Sharon Festa and Jacqueline Festa Salerno and her husband, Michael. Cherished grandchildren include: Desaree, Dominique, Arrielle, Jill Anne and Rachel and her adored great-granddaughter, Thea Marie.

The impact of Jill’s death is a profound loss upon her family.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 2, 2025 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Bizub-Quinlan Funeral Home, 1313 Van Houten Avenue, Clifton. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at 9:15 am from the funeral home and 10:00 am at St. Philip the Apostle R.C. Church, 797 Valley Road, Clifton. Interment to follow at Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Upper Montclair. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Several Sources Shelters, P.O. Box 157, Ramsey, NJ 07466 (www.severalsources.org).  Please visit www.bizubquinlan.com to leave condolences to the family on the Tribute Wall section of the online obituary.