Obituary of Velia Baratta

Velia Baratta was taken to heaven on Friday, December 9th at the blessed age of 90 surrounded by her family.

She is now reunited with her husband of 69 years, Gennaro Baratta, as well as her parents and multiple siblings.

Velia has a big legacy: her 4 children; Giovanna Loffredo and her husband Anthony, Carmine Baratta and his wife Angela, Ivana Palma and her husband Filomeno, and Severino Baratta and his wife Janice, 12 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.

She and her husband started their family in the very quaint town of Ostigliano, Italy, which would forever remain Velia’s favorite place and true home.

They immigrated to New Jersey 44 years ago and made many sacrifices to give their children and grandchildren opportunities in the United States.

Velia was honored to witness her family’s successes, including two thriving pizzerias, many college graduations and esteemed careers, and beautiful weddings that led to a rapidly growing family. She spent many days working at her son and daughter’s business, Ciccio’s Pizza, and became friends with many patrons over the years. 

She was known for cooking amazing food for the holidays and baking delicious Italian cookies, and while she loved all of her family dearly, she had a special place in her heart for the babies.

She was blessed to spend the last four years of her life in her daughter’s home, surrounded by babies and children on a daily basis.

Family will be honoring and celebrating her life on Tuesday, December 13, 2022 from 5-8pm in the McCriskin – Gustafson Home For Funeral 2425 Plainfield Ave. South Plainfield, NJ 07080.

Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at 10am at Our Lady of Czestochowa RC Church, South Plainfield.

Following mass, Mrs. Baratta will be entombed alongside her beloved Gennaro at Holy Redeemer Cemetery, South Plainfield.