Caroline Pienta

Caroline Pienta, 96, died on April 23, 2025. A lifelong lover of family, the outdoors, books, and her hometown teams, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of strength, love, and unforgettable memories.

She was born in North Tonawanda, New York but eventually moved to New Jersey and graduated from Lodi High School in 1947. She went on to work in a local factory, where she embodied the hard work and resilience that defined her generation. She resided in Hackensack for over fifty years. A fiercely independent woman, Caroline faced life’s challenges head-on, including the passing of her husband when she was very young. With unwavering determination, she raised her daughters on her own and made their dreams possible—most memorably, a cross-country vacation in 1967 that remains etched in her family’s hearts.

Caroline was a proud fan of the New York Yankees and the New York Giants, rarely missing a game and cheering on her home teams with great enthusiasm. Her passions also included reading, dancing (including the polka), listening to music, watching the Discovery channel, indulging in the mysteries of Perry Mason and Agatha Christi and following the works of Sylvia Brown. She was a woman of faith and spirituality. But more than anything, Caroline loved her family. Being a mother was her greatest joy, and she gave everything she had to the people she loved.

She is predeceased by her parents and lovingly remembered by her two daughters: Cecelia (Pinky) Deleasa, her husband Phil, and Joanne Wildgen and her husband, Joe. She also leaves behind six grandchildren, Heather Pappas (Mark), Melissa Anton, Courtney Deleasa, Philip Deleasa, Kyle Wildgen (Jamie) and Joseph Deleasa, along with five great-grandchildren, Ariana, Anastasia, Savannah, Jaxon, and Zachary, as well as her goddaughter, Donna Ross. Caroline’s strength, warmth, and unwavering love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Her life was a beautiful story of dedication, adventure, and unconditional love—a story that will continue to inspire those she leaves behind.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at Cusick Funeral Home, 80 Mountain Avenue.A prayer service will conclude at 5:00 PM.

Donations may be made in Caroline's honor to Shriner's Children's Hospital, Donate Online .