Karen L. Buongiorno (nee Ulione), 68, of Northvale, NJ, formerly of Wyckoff, NJ, passed away beside her family on Sunday, April 26, 2026. Karen was a beloved wife of Perry F. Buongiorno. Cherished mother to her son Mark Ciccarelli and his wife Birdie and daughter Nicole Silcher and her husband Eric. She was a dear step-mother of Perry Buongiorno Jr. and his spouse Tristan, and the late Paul Buongiorno. She was a very proud and loving grandmother of Blake, Olivia, Jayden, Emilia, Monaco and Miles. Predeceased by her parents, Emil and Muriel Ulione and her brother, Brian Ulione.
Karen was a driven entrepreneur, she owned and operated Buongiorno Day Spa for over twenty years and always went above and beyond to help friends, family & clients. Her heart was immense and she cared deeply for others, even those whom she’d just met. She was a devoted wife to her ‘hunny bunny’, an incredible mother and the greatest Gigi in the world. She loved visiting the beach of Cape May, shopping, spending time with those she loved, catching the occasional episode of the young & the restless and cooking for family gatherings. When Karen arrived, she would fill the room with love, and drop a trail of gifts along the way… if there wasn’t an occasion for a present, she would always find one… her grandkids being her most favorite beneficiaries. Growing up in Paramus NJ, she built life-long friendships she’s carried since elementary school. She was deeply admired by many, and will be missed by all.
Visiting hours are Wednesday, April 29, 2026 from 4-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, April 30, 2026 at 10:30 AM at St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Karen’s memory may be made to The MDS Foundation {mds-foundation.org}.
My heart is so broken
You didn’t deserve to suffer
You didn’t deserve to die
I will miss you dearly on earth and know we will be reunited one day again
You’re absence is immeasurable
Many hugs in heaven
Lisa
Dear Family & Friends, I am very sorry & saddened to hear about Karen’s passing, she was such a beautiful person inside & out. When we were in school, I always suggested to her that she become a model because of her beautiful skin & eyes, she’d always smile. The last time I saw her was st our 20 year class reunion, Karen still had a deeply warm, sincere, kind and loving personality. She will be truly missed by all.
Kar, I will always remember cut day with Muddie’s maverick, the elbow cast and your very mad mom at breakfast, and the Andrea True Connection. Til we meet again. Rest in Eternal Peace. ❤️
I’m so sorry to hear this news and send special prayers to her family. Karen was that exceptional person back in PHS days that would always give you her brightest smile when she ran into you and could turn around a bad day into a better one just by a few encouraging words. She was really a lovely person inside and out and may she rest easy
Our prayers to you and your family Perry. We are truly saddened for your loss. When you visited I could see the love in your eyes when you spoke of her. Our hearts go out to you and yours. ❤️
Thanks guys. It was a tough go at the end. I appreciate you reaching out
I’m so sorry for your loss. I have such fond memories of Aunt Karen from my childhood and know how devastated the entire family must be. Hugs to all.