Vera M. (Cavuoti) Mezzacappa, age 90, of Barnegat, NJ, died peacefully at the Villa’s at Holmdel on July 16^th.

Born Election Day, 1931 at home, to parents Lillian (Saner) and Daniel Cavuoti of Staten Island. Vera resided as a native there until 1997.  She lived most of her young life in the Stapleton area of Staten Island, before settling to Great Kills to raise a family.  1982, She retired from the Institute of Basic Research on Staten Island, where she worked for Dr. Jervis, who was a pioneer in genetic research. Following her retirement she moved to Barnegat, NJ, where she commenced her life with new and life long friends.

As an avid learner, she frequently preferred watching The History Channel, National Geographic, and Antique Roadshow. Vera was a solid Women’s Rights Advocate and was proud to vote and express her views concerning the challenges and accomplishments women faced during her lifetime.

Vera enjoyed music of the 40’s and 50’s especially Perry Como.  Vera and Michael would often dance together at The Village Bowling Lane’s Awards Dinners where Mr. Mezzacappa’s father was the owner/proprietor.

As a young woman she worked at Doctor’s Hospital, where she met her soon to be husband Michael A. Mezzacappa, they were married in 1951. In 1959, they moved into their new home in Great Kills, where they raised their two children.

Vera was pre-deceased by her husband of 41 years, in 1993. Vera never remarried and remained forever in love with Michael A. Mezzacappa.

Surviving Vera are her two children, her son Peter Michael and his wife Ann (Soma) Mezzacappa, her daughter Ann Marie and her husband Gregory A. Buontempo, Jr., both of Holmdel; five grandchildren, Alissa, Sara, Amanda Gabrielle, Michael Gregory and Peter Matthew.

Visitation will be Wednesday July 20^th 2 -4 and 7-9 pm at the Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 S. Holmdel Road, Holmdel, NJ. Mass of Christian Burial, Thursday, July 21^st, 10 am at St. Benedict’s RC Church, Holmdel. Entombment Resurrection Cemetery, Staten Island.  In lieu of customary remembrances, the family has requested donations be made in Vera’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org.

To share a favorite memory or send a message of condolence, please visit Vera’s page of tributes at www.holmdelfuneralhome.com.