Obituary of Diane M. Crino
South Plainfield – Diane M. Crino, 81, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 9, 2026, at Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune City, NJ, surrounded by her loving family.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Diane settled in South Plainfield in 1969, where she established deep roots, created lasting memories, and raised her children. In 2019, she and her beloved husband Thomas moved to Tinton Falls.
Diane was a lifelong communicant of Sacred Heart Church. She enjoyed gardening, traveling, and spending time in nature. In 2010, after 25 years of dedicated service, she retired from Rutgers University’s Department of Administration at the Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology.
She will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Diane was a kind, beautiful, and compassionate woman who lived 81 meaningful years. She was incredibly thoughtful—never forgetting a birthday, always sending cards early, and making everyone in her life feel remembered and cherished.
She taught those around her the true meaning of love, forgiveness, and kindness, reminding us that family and dear friends are what matter most. Her first response to any challenge was always positivity, followed by hard work and determination to make things better. Above all else, Diane treasured her family. Though words cannot fully express our sadness, we take comfort in knowing that her spirit lives on through us and through the love she so generously taught us to share.
Surviving are her devoted husband of 57 years, Thomas; her daughter, Marion Petraccaro and her husband, Lawrence; her son, Thomas M. Crino and his fiancée, Janice Rodrigues; and her three cherished grandchildren, Lily, Hailey, and Lauren.
Funeral services will begin on Friday, February 13, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at the McCriskin–Gustafson Home For Funerals, 2425 Plainfield Avenue, South Plainfield, NJ 07080, followed by a 10:00 a.m. Funeral Mass at Sacred Heart Church, 149 South Plainfield Avenue, South Plainfield, NJ 07080.
Family and friends may attend visitation on Thursday, February 12, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
A private cremation will follow the Mass at the family’s request, with future entombment at Holy Redeemer Cemetery Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Diane’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the National Park Foundation.