Maria (Scancarello) Tommaro

Maria (nee Scancarello) Tommaro, 86, of Clifton, passed away Saturday, February 1, 2025.  Born and raised in Geraci Siculo, Sicily, Maria came to the United States with her mother at the age of 14.  They initially settled in Passaic. She met and married Ralph Tommaro in 1960 before moving to Clifton in 1967 where she raised three beautiful daughters.  Maria was a self-employed hairdresser, operating Maria Rafael’s Salon formerly located in Clifton for over 40 years along with her late husband, Ralph.  Maria’s passion for beauty and  fashion helped her to become one of the leading hair stylists in the Clifton area. After her retirement, spending time with her grandchildren became her favorite pastime.

Maria was a faithful parishioner of St. Philip the Apostle R.C. Church in Clifton.  She was also a member of the Geraci Siculo League and a member of the Montclair Beach Club.

Maria was predeceased by her beloved husband, Ralph S. Tommaro in 2023; her daughter, Monique Tommaro in 2019; and five siblings, Nunziata Parrinello, Antonia Cancilleri, Filippo Scancarello, Josephine Mazzara and Carmela Boccadoro.

Survivors include: two devoted daughters, Jeanette Avallone and Nicole Kovar and her husband, Marc; a son-in-law, John Nyire; and five loving grandchildren, Jonathan Avallone, Rachel Kovar, Jack Avallone, Isabella Kovar and Jack Nyire; and her dear brother, Charles Scancarello.

Visitation will be held Friday, February 7, 2025 from 10:00 to 11:00 am at Bizub-Quinlan Funeral Home, 1313 Van Houten Avenue, Clifton followed by an 11:30 am Mass at St. Philip the Apostle R.C. Church, 797 Valley Road, Clifton.  Entombment to follow at St. Nicholas Cemetery, Lodi. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306 www.t2t.org/donate/ .  Visit www.bizubquinlan.com to leave condolences to the family on the Tribute Wall section of the online obituary.

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