Antonietta Cusmai (nee Cotugno), 92, died on Thursday, August 20, 2026.  Born in the beautiful village of Vico del Gargano in Foggia, Italy, Antonietta came to the United States in 1969, settling first in Jersey City. In 1980, she moved to Lyndhurst, where she made her home and became a cherished member of the community for more than four decades.  Antonietta was a hardworking woman who took great pride in everything she did. She began her working life in a coat factory in Jersey City before joining YKK Zipper Company in Lyndhurst, where she worked for 16 years. After retiring, Antonietta continued to give of herself to others, becoming a school aide at Washington School in Lyndhurst. She remained there for 21 years before retiring at the age of 83.

Beyond her remarkable work ethic, Antonietta will be remembered for her warmth, her love of music, and especially her love of Italian music. She could often be found singing, filling her home with the songs she loved. Music was a beautiful part of who she was.  Nothing, however, brought Antonietta greater joy than her grandchildren. She adored them and treasured every moment she spent with them. Her family was at the heart of her life.  In recent years, as Antonietta's memory began to fade, her family found comfort in knowing that their faces and their presence remained familiar to her. Their time spent together would bring a light to her face, a reminder that love is something the heart can hold onto even when memories begin to slip away.

Antonietta was predeceased by her beloved husband, Matteo Cusmai in 2008 and is survived by their loving children, John Cusmai and his wife, Xenia, Maria Cunningham and her husband, George, and Joseph Cusmai, by her cherished grandchildren, Cristina Nicole Cusmai, Lauren and Colette Cunningham, Kara Cusmai, and Viktor and Yura Kanjuk, by her dear brother, Johnny Cotugno and extended family who live in Italy, and by her nephew, Peppino Cusmai and his family.  

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at Nazare Memorial Home, Inc., 403 Ridge Road, Lyndhurst, NJ on Friday, August 21, 2026 from 3 - 7 PM.  All will gather at the funeral home on Saturday, August 22, 2026 at 8:30 AM then to St. Michael's Church, Lyndhurst where a funeral mass will be offered at 9:30 AM.  Entombment will follow at Holy Cross Chapel Mausoleum, North Arlington.  You may express your condolences to Antonietta's family by using our tribute wall.