Marlene M. Bressi, 86. of Long Branch passed away peacefully Sunday, October 15th.

Marlene was born in Asbury Park, NJ in the winter of 1936 to Louise Carrino Mercogliano and John “The Shoemaker” Mercogliano. She was 14 weeks premature but she was a fighter. She was a fan of the New York Yankees and a fan of sports in general. Her pride in playing point guard as a girl later earned her the nickname, “The Spud Webb of Asbury Park” around the house. Growing up her heroes were Shirley Temple and Eliot Ness. She attended Asbury Park High School, and Glassboro State College (now Rowan University). Marlene was the first person in her family to graduate from college. She became a dedicated elementary school teacher who loved and believed in her students. Her motto was, “Children Crave Structure”. She married Frank Bressi Sr., a Merchant Marine Engineer, and started a family, settling in Long Branch. She was a savvy small business owner, an avid baker, a lover of animals great and small, and a devoted wife and mother. Marlene’s Roman Catholic faith was very important to her. She was patriotic. She loved holidays, music, and getting together with family and friends. Some of her favorites were Chubby Checker, Perry Como, and Joan Baez. She especially loved the classic Country and Western sounds. She was a fan of the Wonder Woman tv series and comics. Most recently she developed an appreciation for Japanese Sumo Wrestling. Her later years would not have been possible without the compassion and hard work of her home health aides. She will be missed.

Marlene is predeceased by her loving husband, Frank Bressi, Sr., and her brothers John, Nick, Al, Victor and Rick. She is survived by her son Frank Bressi, Jr., her brothers Bruce and Andy, and many loving nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Thursday, October 19th from 4-8pm, at Woolley-Boglioli Funeral Home, 10 Morrell St., Long Branch. A mass of Christian Burial will be offered Friday, October 20th at 1:30pm at  Holy Trinity Church, 408 Prospect St., Long Branch. Burial will immediately follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, West Long Branch. To share a favorite story or send of message of condolence to the family, please visit Marlene’s tribute page at woolleyboglioli.com.