
Grace J. Calegari, 90, of Norwood, NJ formerly of Northvale, NJ passed away October 20, 2025 surrounded by her loving family.
Born on October 28, 1934, in Englewood, NJ, she was the daughter of Louis J. and Antoinette (née Ruffino) Rasera. Prior to retirement, she had worked as a purchasing agent at National Medical Care for many years.
Grace’s greatest achievement was raising her three children; her greatest joy came from her grandchildren and spending time together as a family. She shared a love of cooking with her family, making her Italian-American classics for family dinners, baking her Christmas cookies, and pancakes after sleepovers with her beloved grandchildren. She also loved going out to lunch with her dear friends (La Fontanella’s was a favorite lunch spot). Grace kept her mind sharp with crossword puzzles, trivia, and solitaire. Television was a favored pastime; she was an avid fan of the Lifetime Channel and had a special place in her heart for Yellowstone—especially Kevin Costner, while also having a love for Anderson Cooper. Grace loved watching Dancing with the Stars with her grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her husband, Peter C. Calegari, Sr in 1999. She is survived by her brother, Lou Rasera and wife Joann of West Hills, CA; her daughter, Laura Gangwer and husband Sam of Bedford, NH; her sons, Peter Calegari and wife Karen of Gilbert, AZ, and Louis Calegari and wife Suzanne of Tappan, NY; and her grandchildren, Marisa, Jake, Ali, Danni, Olivia, Christopher and Jaden who brought her endless joy. Also, her niece Alisa Rasera-Holden and husband Wally Holden, grand-nieces Iris and Viola, and nephew Tommy Rasera.
Visiting hours are Sunday, October 26, 2025 from 2-5 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, October 27, 2025 at 10:00 AM at St. Anthony’s Church, Northvale, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to support her favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Hospital.