It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Diana L. Chilelli, beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, cousin, grandmother to furry babies, and friend. Diana passed away surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. She was a woman who truly lived life on her own terms, and her strength and humor never wavered—even in the hardest of times.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, and raised in Eltingville on Staten Island, Diana moved to New Jersey after marrying her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, Domenick Chilelli. Together, they built a beautiful family and a legacy of love, hard work, and laughter. Diana was a proud mother to GinaMarie and Dominique, and she adored her beloved fur-baby grandchildren—Charlie, Toby, Rue, Loki, and Luna. If you knew her, you knew how deeply she loved her animals. Her bond with people as well as animals is part of what made her so special.

Diana was a graduate of Saint Joseph by the Sea High School (Staten Island) and The Grace Business Institute. After years of working in brokerage firms on Wall Street, she joined Domenick and his parents in the family business full-time. For 30 years, Diana and Domenick ran La Cashina side by side with her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Frank and Marie Chilelli. Their Italian restaurant became a top-rated staple in Monmouth County, NJ. Her love of food, hospitality, and creating memorable moments for others was evident in every dish and every smile that left their doors. Diana’s legacy lives on not only in the restaurant but in the countless lives she touched, including all of the children she cared for during her time with the Holmdel School District.

Diana had a passion for life that was contagious. Whether it was dancing to her favorite music, taking trips to Atlantic City, traveling to Wildwood Crest each summer, watching a Broadway play, attending a concert at the PNC Bank Arts Center, or watching birds—particularly red-tailed hawks and hummingbirds—she embraced the beauty in the world around her. She had the greenest thumb, and her backyard was always a paradise of amazing flowers. Her humor had the power to bring anyone to tears with laughter. She had a way of making you feel seen and heard, and you could not help but want to be near her, laughing until your stomach hurt.

Known for being one of the hardest-working people anyone could meet, Diana was also a ball-buster who did not take life too seriously. She faced every challenge head-on and reminded those around her, “It is what it is,” a phrase she often used during some of her toughest moments. Her resilience, kindness, and selflessness made her the heart of every room she entered. Diana’s impact was far-reaching. She made the world better simply by being in it. While her absence leaves a hole that will never be filled, we are grateful for the memories, laughter, and love she gave. She would want us to remember the good times, the fun times, and the ways she made us laugh.

Diana was predeceased by her father, Richard Franklin. She leaves behind her loving husband, Domenick; daughters, GinaMarie and Dominique; mother, Filomena; sisters, Denise (Joseph) and Kristen; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Frank and Marie; sisters-in-law, JoAnne and Nancy (Matt); niece, Juliana (Tim); nephews, Joseph Jr., Matthew, Francis, and Richard; as well as countless family, friends, and colleagues who will cherish her memory forever.

A viewing will be held for family and friends at Holmdel Funeral Home on Monday, May 12th, from 2–4 PM and 6–8 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held at 9:15 AM on Tuesday, May 13th, at Saint Catherine’s Church in Holmdel, NJ. Flowers are welcome and can be ordered here: https://www.keansburgnjflorist.com/. In lieu of flowers, the family also asks that donations be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) to support ongoing efforts in the fight against pancreatic cancer. Donations can be made here: https://pancan.org/honormemorial-gifts/.

Rest in peace, Mom. We love you. You are in our hearts, always and forever.