Jeanne Frances Sciacca, 72, of Old Bridge, NJ, passed away on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at Hackensack Meridian Health Old Bridge Medical Center.

Jeanne was born in Paterson, NJ, to the late Mary Stabile and Frank Sciacca. She was a student at School 15, the alma mater of the famous Lou Costello of Abbott and Costello, and then attended John F. Kennedy High School. The youngest of ten children, she lived in Paterson for most of her life before settling in Old Bridge twelve years ago. Most of her career was spent as a dog trainer and Sheriff’s Deputy serving Passaic County. However, if you asked her, her most important job was being a devoted mom. She would often whisper, “It does not matter how old any of you are – a mother always thinks about and worries just a little bit that her children are safe and healthy.”

Jeanne loved all animals, especially dogs. At one time, she saved a nearly frozen puppy while driving home from work in the middle of a blizzard. The puppy turned out to be half wolf. The wolf dog never left her side as one of the most obedient and well–trained dogs she adopted into her canine family throughout the years. Jeanne also had a green thumb for houseplants, with a special talent for spider plants. Her home looked like a green garden with several generations of plants dating back decades.

Jeanne was known as the “block mom.” Anyone, no matter their background, could always find a listening ear, a warm meal, and a hot cup of coffee. (If you drank coffee, you were guaranteed a lively conversation, as she loved to talk over a cup of coffee.) If you needed a helping hand, she would do the best she could to assist you in getting back on your feet. And if you were ever up for a game of cards, you had a partner in her. In her earlier days as a mom, family and friends would gather for card game weekends – playing cards became a spirited family tradition. She would often yell at her older brothers and any of the men who were caught sneaking cards under the table trying to beat the ladies. Her thoughts were that the boys needed to cheat to beat the girls. (“Go figure!”)

Jeanne’s life was marked by her generosity, charisma, and passion. She never did anything without putting her whole heart into it to make sure it was the best by giving it the “Jeanne touch.” She was a woman who dearly loved her family and friends, and she will be greatly missed by many.

She is predeceased by her former husband, Russell A. Believe; son, Walter C. Believe; four brothers, Eugene, Domenic, Joey, and Pat; and two sisters, Yolanda and Janie.

She is survived by three children, Johnny F. Sciacca (wife Karen), Christina (husband Michael), and Charles R. Believe (wife Gabriella); three sisters, Violet Armagno, Elaine Sciacca, and Rose Mary Von Atzingen; granddaughter Jeanne Believe; great-granddaughter Aaliyah Believe; dear friend of over forty years, Joshua Glover; nieces Lisa, Yvonne, Dee Dee, Patricia, Mamita, and Susan; nephews Sammy, Joe Joe, Domenic, Danny, Michael, and Ricky; and dozens of additional first-, second-, and third-generation nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 6, from 2–4 p.m. and 6–8 p.m. at the Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 South Holmdel Road, Holmdel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Wednesday, May 7, at 10 a.m. at St. Clement Roman Catholic Church, 172 Freneau Avenue, Matawan. Burial will follow at St. Gabriel’s Cemetery, 549 Newman Springs Road (Route 520), Marlboro.

In lieu of flowers, Jeanne’s family asks with gratitude that donations in her memory be made to Animal Rescue Force Inc.

For messages of condolence, or to share a favorite memory of Jeanne, please visit her page of tribute at www.HolmdelFuneralHome.com.