Judith Carmela Santoro Daidone, 84, daughter of Juliette and Mario Santoro, wife to John Daidone, of Bernardsville and previously of Scotch Plains and Fanwood, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family, on September 26, 2025.

Devoted Mother of Robert, and wife Adele, Jon, and wife Jen, Victor, and wife Prosperina, and Robyn, and husband Brad; grandmother of Robert John (RJ), Remy, Liana, Frank, Gabriella, and husband John Masini, Maxwell, Lake, Ilana, Juliette, Gigi, and Graedy; great-grandmother of Julian, Elodie, Mia, and Sophia. Beloved sister to Roberta, Carol, and Linda and husband George. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Judy’s love of life and passion for family were evident from early on. Marrying her high school sweetheart, John , Judy began her greatest journey, motherhood, right out of high school. Judy created the ultimate family home filled with love, warmth, and adventures. Her passion for family was not satisfied with only four kids filling the home; so many of her children’s childhood friends were not only welcomed into her home, but into her heart for life as well, almost too many to count - considered her their second mother until this very day.

Family dinners with incredible cuisine and baked treats, constant laughter, and Sunday donuts were a staple in her house, and for the holidays and family celebrations, even the Rockefeller Center Christmas or the Macy’s Fireworks displays would have difficulty competing with her big, wonderful celebrations and home decorations. With three boys and always a house full of their friends, she was very athletic and competitive. She loved playing tennis with her best friend Madeline, challenging you to a backyard basketball match, hooking up the worms to the fishing hooks, and even becoming a hall of fame wrestling mom. With the addition of a daughter, the “tomboy mom” also got to share her love of fashion, horses, yoga, and traveling together. They embraced the true love and unbreakable bond that only a mother and daughter could share. 

She was truly blessed as her unconditional love for her children multiplied as she welcomed grandchildren and great-grandchildren into her circle of love, laughter, and warmth. A special lady walked beside us, comforting us; now an incredible angel flies above us, protecting us.

Celebratory mass of life will be Saturday October 4th  at 3:00 p.m. at St. Rose of Lima Church, 50 Short Hills Ave., Short Hills, NJ.