Pellegrina "Lena" Martinho
November 29, 1929 - April 2, 2026
Visitation
Holmdel Funeral Home
26 South Holmdel Road
Holmdel, NJ 07733
Wednesday 4/8, 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Cemetery
Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover
Thursday 4/9, 12:30 pm
Mass
Church of St. Catharine
108 Middletown Road
Holmdel, NJ 07733
Thursday 4/9, 10:30 am - 11:30 am

Pellegrina “Lena” Martinho, 96 formerly of Newark, died on Thursday, April 2nd at Sunrise Senior Living, Lincroft.

Lena was a lifelong resident of Newark. She worked for many years for Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company, Newark. An amazing baker, Lena enjoyed making cookies and cakes for every occasion and if she was a guest at your house, you would get a beautiful tray of homemade cookies. Lena enjoyed the casinos in Atlantic City, Hosting family events, and Caribbean cruises with her sisters and friends. Lena was a long-time member of the Italian Club of Bellville. She was a lifelong parishioner of St. Francis Xavier Church in Newark.

Her husband, Anthony, died in 2008. Surviving is her son and daughter-in-law, Philip and Anne Martinho of Tinton Falls; her grandchildren and their spouses, Scott and Amy Martinho and Tara and Daniel Levy; three great-grandchildren, Luke and Owen Martinho and Erin Levy. She is also survived by her beloved nieces Marie Melito, Maria Rizzitello and Laura Lehman.

Lena was predeceased by her brother Michael Melito, sister Lucy Insalaco (Angelo), sister Theresa Tricolla, sister-in-law Eleanor Melito and nephew Philip Melito.

Visitation, Wednesday, April 8th, 4 until 7 pm at the Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 S. Holmdel Road, Holmdel. Mass of Christian Burial, Thursday, April 9th, 10:30 am at the Church of St. Catharine, 108 Middletown Road, Holmdel. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests you consider donations to the Church of St. Catharine – St. Vincent DePaul Society

Woolley Boglioli Funeral Home
Gennifer Mincolelli
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Visitation
Holmdel Funeral Home
26 South Holmdel Road
Holmdel, NJ 07733
Map
Wednesday 4/8, 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Cemetery
Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover
Thursday 4/9, 12:30 pm
Mass
Church of St. Catharine
108 Middletown Road
Holmdel, NJ 07733
Map
Thursday 4/9, 10:30 am - 11:30 am

Pellegrina “Lena” Martinho, 96 formerly of Newark, died on Thursday, April 2nd at Sunrise Senior Living, Lincroft. Lena was a lifelong resident of Newark. She worked for many years for Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company, Newark. An amazing baker, Lena enjoyed making cookies and cakes for every occasion and if she was a guest at …
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Marie Melito left a message on April 8, 2026:
I lived with Aunt Lena for 76 years. She was an absolutely amazing woman, the last of her generation to die. We lived in a large four-family home in Newark that was occupied by family. Whenever anyone in our house was ill, it was Aunt Lena who provided the care. She took care of me when I had knee replacement surgery, running up and down the stairs to make sure I was okay. She drove me to physical therapy for several weeks, until I was able to drive myself. She handled the finances of the house, assuring the taxes, heating bills, and all utilities were paid timely. She ran our home the way a captain runs his ship. While I will miss her dearly, I find comfort in knowing that she is now safe in God's promise of eternal life, Rest in peace, Aunt Lena, and know that you were loved by all,
Vic De Bari left a message on April 7, 2026:
Aunt Lena was my second mother. We spoke on every birthday & holiday. She was the sweetest, most loving woman. She will be so incredibly missed by so many. You will never be forgotten. You take my heart with you. God bless you as Heaven receives a wonderful angel.
Philip Martinho left a message on April 6, 2026:
The toughest decision I ever had to make was moving my mom from her home after 95 years. She made the best of it though and over time fit in well. She was dearly loved by all the staff at Sunrise and made friends of many of the residents. More importantly she roughed it out so I wouldn’t torture myself. She was a “warrior”. Love - your son💔
Roseanne Torr left a message on April 6, 2026:
My condolences to Phil and Anne and the entire Martinho/Melito Families. Lena will always hold a special place in my heart. I have so many beautiful memories growing up of Thanksgivings and Easters spent together and celebrating special occasions with her. Later on, we spent family vacations in Wildwood. Whenever I would visit, we would talk about the "good old days" and reminisce and laugh about things that happened. Like the time we were leaving the Ravioli House in Wildwood, and she asked Tony if he had taken any mints from the hostess booth. With a mouth full of mints, he shook his head no. He knew he was in trouble, if he said yes. The looks on Tony's and Lena's faces were priceless! We couldn't stop laughing. Lena took care of everyone. Family was very important to her. Her face would light up whenever she was with her family. She welcomed everyone into her home. She was a constant presence, a source of comfort, and someone I always felt deeply connected to. Being close to her wasn't something I ever had to work at; it was natural, effortless. I looked forward to our "Friday Night Crew" dinners every week. She held the stories, traditions, and memories that tied generations together. I'm grateful for every moment I had with her. I'll miss her voice, her laugh, but more than anything, I'll miss the feeling of knowing she was always there. Lena meant the world to me, and she always will! Rest easy my "Favorite Cugina". Te voglio bene assai. I was blessed to have you in my life! 96 years was not enough.......
Sal Mincolelli left a message on April 5, 2026:
RIP Lena...🙏❤️ Thank you for all the good times our families shared together. Thanksgivings were so special to us all!
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Gennifer Mincolelli left a message on April 5, 2026:
Aunt Lena was the best!! She always knew the right things to say just to make you smile! Love her and will miss her dearly
Gliwa family left a message on April 4, 2026:
Lena was a wonderful woman with a big heart and a unique soul. She knew how to command a room and always made you feel like family. She will be terribly missed. Love, Beata, Greg, Monica and Chris Gliwa
Woolley Boglioli Funeral Home left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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