Obituary of Grace M DeBlasi

Grace M. DeBlasi, 88, of New Brunswick, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 26, 2017 at St Peter’s Hospital, New Brunswick. She was born in Prospect Park, NJ to John and Elizabeth (Angotti) Palma. Grace will dearly be missed by her family and friends.

Grace was predeceased by her parents John and Elizabeth and her sisters Frances and Carrie.  Surviving is her loving husband Joseph DeBlasi of New Brunswick, with whom she celebrated 70 years of marriage this past November; her sons Joseph M. of Whiting, John and his wife Whitefawn of Milltown; her daughters Janet Flanner of Union City, Ca, and her husband Philip, Margaret DeBlasi and her husband William Franko of Somerset, and Michelle DeBlasi of Jersey City. Grace is also survived by her brother Michael and his wife Claire, of Montville, and her grandchildren Jacky DeBlasi, Michelle Flanner, and Keeyahtay Lewis.

Grace had a strong relationship with St. Peter’s church, school, and hospital, where she worked as a cashier in the coffee shop, nurse’s aid in the maternity ward, and for over twenty years as the Weekend and Holiday Director of Volunteer Services.  Her involvement with the church and school included volunteering with Birthright and as a teacher’s assistant; she was also very active with the PTA at Lincoln School in New Brunswick. Grace will be remembered for her love of music and her eagerness to play a game of Scrabble or dominoes.  She loved sitting in the sun to watch the antics of the neighborhood birds and squirrels, and sitting in her favorite living room chair to watch Jeopardy.  She was happiest when surrounded by her family.

A memorial gathering will be held on Wednesday, August 30 from 5-8 pm at Boylan Funeral Home 188 Easton Avenue, New Brunswick.  A Memorial Mass will take place at Sacred Heart Church, 56 Throop Street, New Brunswick, on Thursday, August 31, at 10 am. An inurnment will follow at St Peter’s Cemetery, New Brunswick.