Obituary of Anne Irene

Dedicated to her family; had a 'passion for fashion and cooking', treated everyone with 'respect and kindness', of Mendham 

 

 

It is with great sadness we announce the loss of beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Anne Irene, who passed away on April 16th in Mendham, NJ. Anne was born in Newark, NJ, on October 31, 1932, to Rocco and Palma (Vitucci) Specchio. Anne was the beloved wife of Sandy Irene for more than 66 years. "Sandy and Anne" as they were affectionately known to all, raised their family in Mountainside, NJ, for more than 36 years. They then moved to Mendham, NJ, where they have resided for the past 25 years. 

 

 

 

Anne is survived by her husband, Sandy; her children Lawrence & Alison Irene, Robert & Marianne Irene, and Lauren Irene. Anne was predeceased by her eldest son, Michael Irene (2001). Anne was blessed with eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild: Frances, Michael, Allison, Emily, Michelle, Renee, Aidan, Austin and Frances.

 

 

 Anne is also survived by her sister Marie Gioiello and sister in law Adeline Specchio. Predeceased by sister Rose D’Orazio and brothers Patsy and Michael Specchio. 

 

 

 

From the day she met her husband more than 70 years ago, the two have been inseparable. So inseparable that when her husband was enrolled in St. Johns University she would even attend classes with him as he pursued his degree. Not long after graduation, they would marry and begin their family. They moved to their first home in Mountainside where she would embrace the suburban lifestyle with grace and elegance. A dedicated mother and wife, Anne skillfully managed the household and raising her four children with ease and pleasure. She was always present at all school functions and sporting events. She had a passion for fashion, and was always beautifully dressed. Summers were spent at the family home in Mantoloking and were especially meaningful because it was a gathering place for her family and friends. 

 

 

 

Anne also had passion for cooking, especially for her family at the holidays. She specialized in preparing delicious Italian dishes and was an expert baker. Always eager to share her recipes to whoever asked. 

 

 

 

Blessed with an infectious smile and joyous personality, Anne was comfortable around everyone. During her life, she would meet three United States Presidents and even had a private audience with Pope John Paul II. No matter who she encountered, Anne treated everyone the same, with respect and kindness. She will truly be missed by all. 

 

 

 

Visitation will be held at Gallaway and Crane Funeral Home, 101 S. Finley Ave., Basking Ridge, NJ, on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, from 3pm-7pm. Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, April 20, at 10:00am at Church of St. James, 184 South Finley Ave., Basking Ridge, NJ. Entombment will immediately follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover, NJ. For further information or to leave an online condolence message, please visit www.gcfuneralhome.com.