Delores Marie DeSantis, 100 years old, passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on November 30, 2024, in Long Branch, NJ.

Born on September 1, 1924, to Adelaine and Phillip DeSantis in Long Branch, NJ, Delores was the eldest of four siblings, all of whom predeceased her: her brothers, Thomas and Phillip, and her beloved sister, Gloria, who was her best friend and trusted confidant.

A proud graduate of Long Branch High School, she excelled academically, graduating with honors. She went on to a 40+ year career at Coast Hardware, where she led the finance department with diligence and pride. Beyond her professional life, Delores was a passionate patron of the arts, particularly loving Broadway musicals, an avid world traveler, and a devoted fan of Monmouth Racetrack.

Despite her global adventures, Delores always maintained that there was no place more beautiful than the beaches of her cherished Jersey Shore.

Delores is survived by her nieces: Dru DeSantis and her wife, Donna; Barbara DeSantis; Carolyn DeSantis; and Laura Labatte. She is also survived by her nephews: Stephen DeSantis; Michael DeSantis and his wife, Mary; and Phillip DeSantis. Additionally, she is survived by 12 grandnieces and grandnephews and 2 great-grandnieces and great-grandnephews.

Delores was an indomitable spirit, remembered for her good nature, no matter the challenges, and boundless kindness. Her adventurous nature was encapsulated in her favorite response to any invitation: “Why not?”

She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Services to honor Delores’s life will be held on Friday, December 6, 2024. A viewing will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Woolley-Boglioli Funeral Home, 10 Morrell Street, Long Branch, NJ. A Mass will follow at 1:30 p.m. at Holy Trinity Church, 408 Prospect Street, Long Branch, NJ, followed by a graveside burial at Mount Carmel Cemetery, 105 Wall Street, West Long Branch, NJ.