Eileen Ferrante, 85 of Colts Neck, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 13th, surrounded by her family.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, Eileen attended grammar school at St. John The Evangelist and Bay Ridge High School. She resided in Brooklyn for most of her life with her husband Thomas, and their children, Veronica and Thomas. Later with her family, Eileen moved to New Jersey. A devout Catholic, Eileen was a parishioner of The Church of Saint Mary in Colts Neck.

Affectionately known as Nana by her granddaughters and Nanny by her great-grandson, Eileen radiated love and kindness to everyone around her. She was lighthearted and warm and always there to provide support, advice or just a simple laugh. Eileen was happiest when she was with her family and shared many traditions together – birthdays, St Patrick’s Day, Christmas Eve and Sunday dinner. She enjoyed swimming, her daily cup of coffee and dessert. She was an enthusiastic reader. Eileen shared her love of movies with her granddaughters and was an avid fan of music – from Elvis Presley to Frank Sinatra. She also never missed her Pick 3 lottery numbers and paid special attention to carefully coordinating her outfits. She looked forward to breakfast dates with her daughter and granddaughters, and never turned down the opportunity for Belgian waffles with vanilla ice cream. Together with her sisters, Eileen traveled to Ireland, Italy, Mount Rushmore, Las Vegas and more frequent visits to Atlantic City. She truly looked to each and every day.

She was predeceased by her husband, Thomas D. Ferrante, in 1989, as well as her cherished sisters, Dolores and Muriel. Surviving are her children, Veronica and Joe Zaino, Colts Neck and Thomas and Michele Ferrante, South Carolina.; her sister, Madeline Van Buskirk; two granddaughters, Elizabeth Zaino-Reuter and her husband James C. and Victoria Zaino; her great grandson, James Joseph, who adored his “Nanny Eileen.” She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Eileen “Nana” Ferrante was a bright light, whose love and compassion knew no bounds. She has left an indelible mark on the lives she touched and will be missed forever.

Visitation will be Wednesday, December 15^th 5:00 – 8:00 pm at the Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 South Holmdel Road, Holmdel.  Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Thursday, December 16^th 9:30 am at St. Mary’s RC Church, One Phalanx Road, Colts Neck.  Interment to follow at Calverton National Cemetery, Wading River, NY.  For messages of condolence, please visit Eileen’s page at www.holmdelfuneralhome.com.