Immacolata "Tina" Prisco

Immacolata “Tina” Prisco passed away peacefully in her home in Union, New Jersey, on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at the age of 94.She was born on April 15, 1932, in Naples, Italy. 

Before coming to America, Tina lived through war, hardship, and uncertainty — experiences that shaped her into the strong, brave, and unforgettable woman her family knew and loved.In 1955, she married her beloved husband, Antonio Prisco, in Italy. In February of 1956, she welcomed her first child. In 1958, she came to America, beginning a life that became a true story of courage, sacrifice, and the American Dream.America was not easy for her at first. In October of 1961, with her three boys — Salvatore, Joseph, and Ralph — Tina returned to Italy, missing the home she knew. But after encouragement from her father, who reminded her of the opportunity life in America could hold, Tina made the brave decision to return. Pregnant and determined, she crossed the seas again and arrived back in America on May 3, 1962. The very next day, she gave birth to her fourth child, Maria. Lucia followed in 1963, and Assuntina in 1964.Tina raised six children and built a family through sacrifice, strength, and love. 

She had no formal education, but she learned the credit system, purchased homes with very little, and earned the respect of everyone who came across her path. She did not just survive difficult times — she pushed through them.Her children never knew empty plates. They knew full bellies, warm kitchens, and one of the greatest cooks of all time making something delicious out of whatever she had. Tina had a gift for bringing everyone around the table. Her food was comfort, tradition, and love. Tina lived in Elizabeth from 1958 to 1982, before moving to Union for the next chapter of her life. 

A few years after moving to Union, she helped build the family business, Prisco Meat Market, elevating it with her delicious recipes and the food traditions she carried with her from Italy. She was especially known for her sausage, a family staple remembered by everyone who had the blessing of tasting it.

She was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She carried herself with strength, grace, and a smile, even when she was not feeling her best. When asked how she was, she would often say she was “okay” or “half and half,” even when everyone knew she was carrying more than she let on.Tina was one of one. Her life was a lesson in bravery, courage, perseverance, and no regrets.Even in her later years, Tina continued to live fully. At the age of 92, she returned to Italy one more time. Thanks to her children, she revisited the places of her childhood and recreated memories from a lifetime ago, including Capri and the Grotta Azzurra, the Blue Grotto, where she had once spent time during her honeymoon.

Tina was predeceased by her beloved husband, Antonio Prisco; her beloved daughter, Lucia Prisco; and her beloved son, Ralph Prisco.She is survived by her loving children: Salvatore Prisco and his wife, Diane Prisco; Joseph Prisco; Maria Prisco and her beloved, Greg; and Assuntina Prisco and her husband, David Salcfas.She was the cherished grandmother of Anthony Prisco, John Prisco, Saverio Salcfas, Antonio Salcfas, Jovanni Salcfas, Sofia Salcfas, and Janiya Prisco. Anthony and John are the children of Salvatore and Diane Prisco. Saverio, Antonio, Jovanni, and Sofia are the children of Assuntina and David Salcfas, and Janiya is the daughter of Joseph Prisco.She was also a great-grandmother to five great-grandchildren through John Prisco and Anthony Prisco.

Tina’s life was not ordinary. It was the story of a young woman from Naples who crossed oceans, raised a family, built a life, and left behind a legacy that will live through generations. We should all strive to live a life like Immacolata “Tina” Prisco — a life of strength, courage, family, and love.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation for Tina on Monday, June 29, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Galante Funeral Home on 2800 Morris Ave in Union. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m., at St. James Church in Springfield followed by entombment at St. Gertrude Cemetery in Colonia.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.