Obituary of Theresa Musto

Theresa 'Terry' Musto (Praitano) passed away on April 29, 2023 peacefully in her home at the United Methodist Communities - Pitman. She was born to Salvatore and Mary Praitano on June 16, 1926 in West Orange, NJ and was the middle of 8 children. Upon graduating from high school in 1944, Theresa went on to work in the office at Thomas Edison Industries. Here she met and fell in love with her future husband, Charles 'Chuck' Musto. They married on September 17, 1949 and started a family, raising sons Richard and David in Orange, then West Orange, NJ. Terry enjoyed living close to her extended family, where their Italian heritage afforded large meal gatherings on weekends and holidays, card games, and trips to the mountains. After years of being at home with the children, she returned to the workforce at Cooper Jarrett Trucking Co. A move to Randolph, NJ during their mid-life, brought on new adventures. Terry obtained her driver's license when she was 49 years old; she found independence in venturing out to hair appointments and running errands solo. One great joy as a married couple was in travel (Italy, Canada, and numerous bus trips around the US). Upon retirement, Terry and Chuck decided to move south to Bridlewood in Deptford, NJ, where they built a home in an 'Over 55' retirement community to take full advantage of their golden years together. They made many friends by keeping active at the 'clubhouse' for game nights and socials. Terry continued the tradition of cooking family dinner nearly every Sunday. She kept busy with knitting, keeping a tidy house, and staying involved with all the happenings of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She and Chuck took trips back up to North Jersey to visit family often. In 2015, they made their final move to Pitman, NJ where they entered assisted living at the United Methodist Home Communities. There, Terry found purpose in her time with Chuck, ensuring he always had the best care, right up until his passing in 2017. She also found comfort in watching EWTN and praying the Rosary daily, she enjoyed Fox News and listening to audiobooks, playing BINGO, and exercising at the Manor's gym. Terry was a woman of strong faith, a devout Catholic who rarely missed a Sunday mass, and was a parishioner at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church - Mary, Mother of Mercy Parish for nearly 25 years. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Charles R. "Chuck" Musto, and son, David. Also by her brothers John, Salvatore, and Richard and sisters Mary, Delores, Lucille and sister-in-law, Rose. She is survived by her son Richard (Robyn) Musto and daughter-in-law Linda Musto; 5 grandchildren Matthew (Julie) Musto, Emily (Scott) Seibert, Sarah Musto, Christopher (Jane) Musto, Melissa (Keith) Cordaro, and 7 great grandchildren - Charles, Brooke, Mia, Landon, Cali, Luca, and Matthew; and one dear sister, Helen Romagnoli. Friends may greet the family on Thursday, May 4th from 6:30 - 8:30 pm and again on Friday, May 5th from 9 -10:15am at Kelley Funeral Home, 125 Pitman Ave, Pitman, NJ. Funeral mass will follow the Friday visitation and will begin at 10:30 am in Our Lady Queen of Peace Church (Mary, Mother of Mercy Parish), 161 Pitman Ave, Pitman, NJ. Burial will take place at the Gloucester County Veteran's Memorial Cemetery, 240 N. Tuckahoe Rd., Williamstown, NJ, where Theresa will join Charles in her final resting place. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis at www.thebuonicontifund/theresa-musto or mail to The Buoniconti Fund, 1095 NW 14th Terrace, Miami, FL33136 Memories may be shared at www.kelleyfhpitman.com.