Mary T. Mazzarella-De Mayo, MD

Mary T. Mazzarella-De Mayo, MD, a beacon of compassion and dedication, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2025, at the age of 92 in Belleville, NJ. Born on January 11, 1933, in Newark, NJ, Mary was a woman whose life was characterized by her faith-filled spirit, loving nature, and selfless service to others.

Mary's journey began as the cherished daughter of the late Domenica (Fanny) and Frank Mazzarella. She grew up in Newark in a nurturing home alongside her five siblings and is survived by sisters, Diana Everard and Pauline Rush, who, along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, continue to honor her legacy. Mary was predeceased by two sisters, Doris Debenedetto and Grace Silva and her brother, Jerry Mazzarella. Mary's path led her to St. Elizabeth College in Convent Station, NJ, where she laid the foundation for her lifelong commitment to healing and care. Her passion for medicine took her across the ocean to Italy, where she earned her medical degree from the University Di Roma Sapienza, Fac Di Medicine E Chirurgria, Rome in 1960, forming bonds with peers that would last a lifetime.

Dr. Mazzarella-De Mayo's medical career was as illustrious as it was impactful. For three decades, she served as a beloved pediatrician in Nutley, NJ, where she touched the lives of countless children and families with her gentle demeanor and expert care. Her dedication to her community extended beyond her practice when she took on the role of Director for Respect Life at the Diocese of Paterson's Evangelization Office, a position she held with grace and fervor for 20 years.

As Respect Life Director, she took seriously her diocesan responsibility to demonstrate that all life is sacred from natural conception to natural death. Dr. Mazzarella-De Mayo also served as the medical consultant for the cause for the beatification and canonization of Blessed Miriam Teresa Demjanovich, a former Sister of Charity of St. Elizabeth in Convent Station. Her research and writing to the Vatican in Support of a discovered medical cure through Blessed Miriam Teresa’s intercession helped make possible her beatification in 2014. The Sisters of Charity of St. Elizabeth presented her with their Caritas Award in 2014.

Dr. Mazzarella-De Mayo also served as a catechist at St. Philip the Apostle Church in Clifton for fifth to eighth grade students for 23 years. She is also a former member of the Board of the Clifton Boys and Girls Club.

Mary's personal life was as rich and fulfilling as her professional one. She was the loving wife of the late Joseph M. De Mayo, MD, with whom she shared a beautiful life until his passing. Together, they raised two wonderful children, Dawn and her husband, Bob Nahrwold, and son, Richard De Mayo. Mary's joy was multiplied with the arrival of her grandchildren, Amanda and her husband John Hart, Melania, Natalia, and Luciano De Mayo, and she was blessed to witness the birth of her great-granddaughter, Violet Hart.

Those who knew Mary will remember her for the warmth and love she extended to everyone she met. Her selfless nature was evident in every aspect of her life, from the way she cared for her patients to the manner in which she guided her family. Mary's faith was the cornerstone of her existence, guiding her through life's challenges and triumphs with unwavering conviction.

As we bid farewell to Mary T. Mazzarella-De Mayo, MD, we celebrate a life beautifully lived and a legacy that will continue to inspire. Her memory will be cherished and kept alive in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her. Mary's departure leaves behind a void that will be felt by many, but the love and lessons she imparted will forever remain.

Visitation will be held Monday, December 22, 2025 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Bizub-Quinlan Funeral Home, 1313 Van Houten Avenue, Clifton. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at 10:30 from the funeral home followed by an 11:15 am Mass at St. Philip the Apostle R.C. Church, 797 Valley Road, Clifton. Interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Please visit www.bizubquinlan.com to leave condolences to the family on the Tribute Wall section of the online obituary.

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