Maria Concetta Palasits born in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn on August 20, 1930, was a resident in Rutherford since 1963. She died peacefully in her home, surrounded by her immediate family on January 29, 2018.
Maria, known to friends and family as Concetta or Connie, was the proud daughter of parents Giovanni & Teresa Rossiello who emigrated from Italy, She grew up in Jersey City, attended High School in Bayonne New Jersey, and received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Springfield College in Massachusetts.
Concetta’s early career was teaching elementary school in Jersey City, but she often said that her most satisfying job was that of being the mother of her four children. She was an active full time mother who used her talents with PTA and CCD in between working the stands at Little League games. She encouraged her children to cultivate athletic, academic, and musical interests and stressed that one must always strive to do your best at whatever you do.

A strong spirit of adventure and thirst for learning led Concetta to work in Summer Stock in Maine and travel to California during her college days and later with her husband, she took several trips and cruises to Europe and extended visits to her children living in Africa and Italy. Raised in the city, she delved into camping in the woods with her young family and embarked on two cross-country camping trips in the 70’s.
Concetta described herself as a “People Person.” Especially in her later years, she used phone calls to keep up with children, grandchildren, friends near and far, and those who could benefit from a simple “Hi, how are you” call.

True to her Italian heritage, Concetta became the matriarch of a large extended family. It was unthinkable not to share birthdays or significant events with as many family members as possible. Her greatest joy was being in the middle of her children and grandchildren. She packed up and assisted all the new mothers with her calm and confident presence. Always respectful of individual styles, she had very sound advice that her children appreciated and cherished.
Maria Concetta Palasits is survived by her husband of 60 years, Walter J. Palasits, her sister Rosemarie Rossiello; her children David (late wife Becky), Marisa (Alberto), Cristina McDonald (Angus) and Gianna Tober (Gary), Son-in-law Gregory Ferentinos, grandchildren; Teresa & husband Colin, John, Michael, Francesco, Davide, Molly, Dylan, Fiona, Mariah, Alexandra & husband Billy, Matthew, Nicholas, Joshua, Christopher, great-grandchildren; William III.

Family will receive friends in the Calhoun Mania Funeral home, 19 Lincoln Avenue Rutherford NJ on Thursday February 1st, from 4-8pm, Friday February 2nd from 2-4 pm and 7-9pm
Funeral on Saturday February 3rd, gathering in Funeral Home 10am for 11 am Mass of Christian Liturgy in The Church of Saint Mary 91 Home Ave Rutherford.
Private Cremation.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Catholic Relief Services (support.crs.org).