Marisa Montes

Marisa Montes, age 87, of Clark, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 12, 2026, surrounded by the family she spent her entire life nurturing and protecting.

Born on Christmas Eve, 1938, in the historic town of Celanova, Spain, to Pepe and Aurora, Marisa arrived in this world with a gentle, kind spirit. However, she was equally known for the unwavering strength she wielded to defend her friends and family. 

Though she later moved to Clark, Roselle was the home she truly loved. Her BBQs and celebrations around the pool remain some of the most cherished memories for all who came to visit.

Marisa was the quintessential matriarch. Her life was defined by her total devotion to her family-a love most visible in the nightly dinners she faithfully placed on the table for her family and anyone else that may have showed up. No one ever left her home hungry. Her profound love for children was her hallmark: her natural warmth was felt by every child she ever met.

While she was a woman of deep grace, she was also a formidable opponent at the card table. Marisa loved playing cards with friends and family, though it was well-known by all that she did not like to lose.

Marisa was preceded in death by the love of her life, Manolo; her brother, Pepe; and her parents, Pepe and Aurora. She is survived by her son Joe and his wife Jamey; and her son Jr. and JoAnne. Her legacy lives on in her three grandchildren-- Jolie, Paris, and JoJo- who were her greatest pride and joy. She is also survived by her sister, Chelo; her brother Manolito and his wife Conchi; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Service Information:

Wake: Tuesday, February 17, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Galante Funeral Home, 2800 Morris Ave, Union, NJ.

Funeral Mass: Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Saint James the Apostle Church, 45 S Springfield Ave, Springfield, NJ.

Interment: To follow at Hollywood Memorial Park in Union, NJ, where she will be laid to rest next to her husband, Manolo.