Maria Zafarino (née Marzella), 93, of Woodland Park, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2025, surrounded by family, leaving behind a legacy of love, resilience, and dedication. She was born on August 7, 1931, in Brooklyn, NY, to Columba and Angelo Marzella. Her early years were shaped by a journey that took her across the ocean to Italy, where she spent time in Giovinazzo before returning to the United States at the age of five.

Settling in Paterson, NJ, Maria overcame the challenge of learning English with the help of her Uncle Enrico. She attended local schools, made her First Communion at St. John’s Church, and later her Confirmation at St. Michael’s Church, where faith became a guiding force in her life. She graduated from Central High School in 1945, setting the foundation for a lifetime of learning and teaching.

During a visit to family in Brooklyn, Maria met the love of her life, Pat Joseph Zafarino. They were engaged in 1949 and married in 1950, beginning a beautiful life together. They raised three sons, Joseph, Angelo, and Pat, while living in a home her father and husband lovingly transformed into a two-family residence. Even as she nurtured her growing family, Maria remained committed to her dream of higher education. In 1965, she earned her teaching degree from William Paterson College through a rigorous six-year night school program, made possible by the unwavering support of her parents and husband.

For 34 years, Maria devoted herself to educating young minds as a teacher at School 14 in Paterson, where she taught both fourth grade and kindergarten. She was a beloved educator, shaping generations of students with her patience, warmth, and passion for learning.

Maria’s strength was profoundly tested when she lost her husband, Pat, to a heart attack in 1972. Despite this tragedy, she remained steadfast in her devotion to her family, her students, and her faith. She navigated life’s challenges with grace and resilience, finding joy in the love of her children, grandchildren, and community.

Maria Zafarino’s legacy is one of perseverance, love, and service. She was a devoted mother, a cherished grandmother, a beloved teacher, and a woman of deep faith. Her memory will live on in the lives she touched, the lessons she imparted, and the love she shared.

She is reunited in eternal peace with her beloved husband, Pat, and those who went before her. She leaves behind a family who will forever cherish her wisdom, kindness, and unwavering strength. Maria’s journey was one of love, faith, and resilience—a testament to a life well-lived and a heart well-loved.

Maria was the adored mother of Pat X. Zafarino and his late wife Peggy, the late Joseph Zafarino and the late Angelo Zafarino and his wife Anne. Maria was the cherished grandmother of Stephen Zafarino and his wife Mia, the late Justin Zafarino and his wife Anna, Pat J. Zafarino and his fiancé Amy Novak, Jennifer Griffiths and her husband Chris, Ashley Zafarino-Criaris and her husband Adam, and Jonathan Zafarino. She was the great grandmother of Wendy, Luca, Leo, Ryan and Eli.

Visitation will be Friday, March 14, 2025 from 4:00-8:00pm at Santangelo Funeral Home, 635 McBride Ave., Woodland Park, NJ. A funeral Mass will be offered on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 10:00am at St. Gerard Majella Church, 501 West Broadway, Paterson, NJ. Guests may arrive at the funeral home after 9:00am if they wish to drive in procession to the church. Burial will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Totowa.

In lieu of flowers please donate to Diocese Ministry Appeal “In Memory of Maria Zafarino” by mailing a check to St. Paul Inside the Walls, Attn: Tim Potter, 205 Madison Ave, Madison, NJ 07940. Alternatively, donations may be made online at https://dopappeal.org/about.html.