Maria A. Poto

Maria A. Poto, 92, died peacefully on January 21, 2026.

Born and raised in Sant'Elia a Pianisi, Italy, she immigrated to America at the age of eighteen. Maria attended night school to learn English, and took a job at RCA. She met the love of her life, Nicholas Poto, when his sister, Maria’s friend from work, introduced them. The two were married in 1957 and resided in Newark, before settling to Belleville where they started their family. The Poto’s moved to Caldwell in 1983.

They were members of the Italian American Club in Belleville and The Caldwell Elks. Maria and Nicholas retired to Galloway, where they stayed active walking the boardwalk, shopping together, and spending time in Atlantic City. Maria was an incredible cook who loved the quality time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren. Maria loved to crochet. She found so much joy giving her creations to friends and family. She spread her love in donating blankets she made to Joseph Sanzari Children's Hospital in Hackensack for the children on going cancer treatment.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Nicholas Poto in 2013.

Surviving are her loving children, Eva Marie Johnson and husband Edward, Nicholas Poto and wife Tara, and Steven Poto and wife Michele, her cherished grandchildren Brian and wife A.J., Jessica and husband Bryan, Gregory, Joseph, and Emerson, and her adored great-grandchildren Declan and Mia.

Visitation will be held from 3:00-7:00PM on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at Cusick Funeral Home, 80 Mountain Avenue, Somerville.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00AM on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at St. Bernard of Clairvaux R.C. Church, 500 Rt 22. West, Bridgewater

Entombment will follow at St. Bernard Cemetery Mausoleum, Bridgewater.