Obituary of Mary Andiorio

Mary J. Andiorio, 103, Volunteer, Community Minded Mary Julia Andiorio, 103, of Bernardsville, died peacefully on Tuesday August 5, 2014 at Morristown Memorial Hospital surrounded by her family. She was a loving Aunt, Sister, and friend. One of 10 children, Miss Andiorio was born in Mendham on June 7, 1911 to Louis Andiorio and Maria Campanella Andiorio. The family moved to Bernardsville in 1920 where she spent the rest of her life. Mary graduated from Bernards High School in 1929 just as the Great Depression gripped the nation, and took a job with the contractor who began construction of the VA Hospital in Lyons, NJ. She worked as a secretary for Hoffman Construction Company, owned by Harry Hoffman. When Mr. Hoffman died in the early 1950s, Mary went to work for Forsythe Construction as Office Manager, where she worked until she retired at the age of 85. Miss Andiorio took part in the WWII effort, volunteering her time keeping watch for approaching enemy aircraft at a tower on the Upton Pine estate. She worked from 4:00am to 6:00am each morning, after which she went home, had breakfast, and then went to work. Mary had a deep faith in God, and was a lifelong communicant of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Bernardsville. She participated in various civic and community organizations. She was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary, holding the office of Treasurer for many years. She was also a Charter member of the Business and Professional Women's Club, selflessly holding every office except President. In 1967 the BPW presented her with the Nike award, given annually to the member who best promoted the Club's goals. Mary is remembered as a great volunteer, always stepping up to help out friends and neighbors. In 2012, shortly before her 101 birthday, Mary made the Guinness Book of World Records when she participated in an event sponsored by the County's Office on Aging. She was one of 41 Centenarians gathered in one place at the same time at a luncheon given in their honor, breaking a 2009 record of 29 held in London. Mary is survived by her sister Helen Andiorio, and brothers Alfred and Francis Andiorio, all of Bernardsville, by many, many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great, great nieces and nephews. She will be greatly missed. The rite of Christian Burial was held on Friday, August 8, 2014 at Sacred Heart Chapel. Burial was in Holy Cross Cemetery, Basking Ridge. Arrangements were by Gallaway and Crane Funeral Home, Basking Ridge. To light an online condolence candle visit www.gcfuneralhome.com.