Leslie Anne Tortorella

Leslie Anne Tortorella-Restifo, passed away peacefully, surrounded by angels, on June 29, 2026, in Cedar Grove, New Jersey, at the age of 81.

Born on May 5, 1945, in Newark, New Jersey, Leslie lived a life marked by intelligence, kindness, and quiet devotion to the people and places she loved. She was the eldest daughter of the late Leslie Thomas Tortorella and the late Sarah Tortorella, née Cappetta, and she carried the values of her family with her throughout her life. Leslie was a woman who made a lasting impression through her friendly nature, her thoughtful spirit, and the steady grace with which she approached each day.

Leslie attended St. Lucy’s School in Newark, where she was a proud member of the Drum Corp. She later graduated from Caldwell University in Caldwell, New Jersey, and went on to enjoy a successful 30-year career as an accountant for the County of Essex. Her professional life reflected the same care, discipline, and intelligence that defined her personally, and she was respected for her dedication and reliability throughout her years of service.

In addition to her career, Leslie was an active and committed member of her community. While residing in Bloomfield, she served as treasurer of her Homeowners Association, where her organizational skills and sense of responsibility were deeply appreciated. She later made her home in Clifton for the past 23 years.

Leslie’s faith was an important part of her life. She was faithful and at one time served as a Eucharistic Minister at her church, a role that reflected her devotion and her willingness to serve others. Her presence in her parish community was a source of comfort and encouragement to those around her, and her faith remained a guiding force throughout her life.

She also found great joy in travel and adventure. Leslie had a special love for trips to Lake Tahoe and Las Vegas, where she enjoyed the excitement and beauty of each destination. She also liked visiting Atlantic City to play poker and could often be found at the Meadowlands betting on the horses. These outings brought her happiness and reflected her spirited appreciation for life’s pleasures.

Leslie is survived by her husband, Michael Restifo, whom she married in 1988. She is also survived by her sisters, Susan Tortorella and Patricia Witte; her sister-in-law, Kathleen Tortorella; her niece, Kathleen Tortorella; her niece, Jennifer Witte; her nephew, Raymond Witte and his wife, Amanda; her grandniece, Victoria Witte; and her brother-in-law, Joseph A. Restifo and his family. She was predeceased by her brother, Paul Tortorella. Leslie will also be remembered with love by all who knew her and cherished the warmth she brought to her family and friends.

Leslie Anne Tortorella-Restifo will be remembered as an intelligent, friendly, and thoughtful woman whose life was defined by devotion, accomplishment, and love. Her memory will remain a blessing to those who were fortunate enough to know her, and her legacy will live on in the hearts of her family and all who were touched by her presence.

Visitation will be held Monday morning, July 6, 2026 from 9:30 to 11:00 am at Bizub-Quinlan Funeral Home, 1313 Van Houten Ave., Clifton. The funeral service will begin at the funeral home at 11:00 am followed by an 11:30 Mass at St. Philip the Apostle R.C. Church, 797 Valley Road, Clifton. Entombment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, Greater NJ Chapter, www.alz.org, 23 Vreeland Avenue, Suite 105, Florham Park, NJ 07932.  Please visit www.bizubquinlan.com to leave condolences to the family on the Tribute Wall section of the obituary.

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