Maria Natali De Fazio, 83, of North Caldwell, NJ, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 5, 2025.

Born in Newport, Rhode Island on a U.S. Army base, in August 1942, Maria lived in several locations in her early years while her father was in the service. But it was in western Pennsylvania where she began her lifelong passion for language, education, and community service.

Maria was her class valedictorian at Clairton High School before earning two bachelors degrees from University of Pittsburgh. A gifted educator and linguist, she taught French and Italian in western Pennsylvania high schools before pursuing a third degree from Middlebury College on their Vermont campus and in Florence, Italy, where she earned her Masters of Language.

Working in Italy, she met an American medical student who became the love of her life. In 1975, Maria and Dr. Ernest De Fazio married in Pittsburgh, and drove to New Jersey to begin their life together – they would share more than 50 years of marriage filled with devotion, travel, service, and family.

In 1986, Maria began a successful career in real estate, becoming a trusted name in her adopted hometown of North Caldwell and beyond. Her dedication and professionalism earned her the title of Realtor of the Year in 2014. Maria was a proud member of the North Central Jersey Association of Realtors.

She was deeply engaged in her community. Maria was an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the North Caldwell Historical Society, Kiwanis Club, and Notre Dame Church, where she sang in the choir, and served as an usher. Maria held leadership roles throughout her life, including serving as president of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) from 1998 to 2002.

She was known for her warmth, her dedication to others, and her extraordinary ability to bring people together. Maria especially loved baking for friends and family, spending time with her loved ones and giving back to the North Caldwell community she revered.

Maria is survived by her beloved husband, Dr. Ernest De Fazio; her adored son and daughter-in-law, Matthew and Alison De Fazio; her cherished grandson, Andrew De Fazio; her sister and brother-in-law, Dina and Andrea Ghirlanda; her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Virginia and Frank Ragucci; as well as many loving cousins, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, October 9th, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Codey Funeral Home (Galante's), 54 Roseland Ave, Caldwell. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on, October 10th at 10:00 am in Notre Dame R. C. Church, 359 Central Ave, North Caldwell, followed by a private entombment.

Maria’s legacy of love, service, and compassion lives on in the countless lives she touched. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Maria’s memory to Autism Research Institute or Autism Speaks would be greatly appreciated. Services are provided by Codey Funeral Home of Caldwell. To share condolences or memories with the family, please visit CodeyFuneralHome.com.