Maria Montecalvo

In Loving Memory of Maria Gaetana (Rado) Montecalvo 

With profound sorrow and enduring love, we announce the passing of Maria Gaetana (Rado) Montecalvo on October 10, 2025, in Mesa, Arizona. She went to be with Jesus peacefully, surrounded by love.

She was the devoted mother of Gina Healey (Russell), Lina Montecalvo, Nicolo Montecalvo (Erin), Vincent Montecalvo, and Lori Montecalvo-Kayati (Joseph, Jr.); beloved grandmother to Michele Healey, Justin Healey, Nicole Robinson (Luke), Lauren Kayati, Zach Pape, Jessica Montecalvo, Nicolas Montecalvo and Justin Woolerton; and proud great-grandmother to Jacob Robinson, whose gentle spirit brought her immeasurable joy.

Maria was the sister of Josephine Andalora and aunt to a number of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Michelina and Vincent Rado; her sister, Antonia Panzica; her husband, Mario Montecalvo and their beloved twin daughters, who passed in infancy.

Born in Vieste, Italy, on February 15, 1939, Maria’s journey was extraordinary. In 1956, she boarded the Andrea Doria with her mother on its near final voyage, giving birth to her first child, Gina. They began a new life in Jamestown, New York and it wasn’t long before she was reunited with her husband Mario and the rest of her family. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, family, and tireless dedication, raising their children in Jamestown before settling in North Wildwood, New Jersey, in 1982, where the ocean breeze carried new memories and friendships.

After Mario’s passing in 1995, Maria remained in New Jersey, surrounded by her daughters and their families. In 2005, she embraced a new chapter in Arizona, joining her younger son and his family, trading northeast winters for desert warmth.

Maria found joy in life’s simplest moments – the aroma of a home-cooked meal, the rhythm of her crochet hook weaving warmth into every stitch, the soft green comfort of her houseplants, and the vibrant colors and music of her favorite Bollywood films. Her home was a reflection of her heart: nurturing and welcoming. 

Those who knew Maria will remember her courage, faith and sense of humor most of all. She endured great physical pain with quiet strength and an unwavering trust in God. She was sweet, kind, strong, and brave, facing life’s challenges with dignity and grace and most of all loved to laugh.  

Her legacy is woven into the lives of her children and grandchildren, who will forever carry her love within them – a love that, like her, is gentle, steadfast, and enduring.

Maria now rests peacefully in heaven, reunited with her beloved Mario, and her cherished and loved infant daughters. A private family service will honor her beautiful life and the lasting light she brought into the world.

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