Obituary of Mary M. Resteghini

Mary M Resteghini, known to most as “Peggy,” passed away peacefully at her home, in her own bed on January 20th, 2024.

Mary was born in Pittston Pennsylvania on August 22nd, 1946, and was raised in Westwood N.J. She met her loving husband of 57 years, Joseph P. Resteghini and they moved to Washingtonville NY where they would raise their children Joseph, and Katherine Rose. Here they made many friends and countless loving memories. 

Mary was predeceased by her parents Edward and Anna Calligan, sisters Virginia Brewer, Barbara Brathe, Amy Dibens, and grandchildren Mason and Lily Pedro. 
 

She leaves behind her husband Joseph, and children Joseph N Resteghini (Mercedes his spouse), Katherine Pedro (Frank her spouse), her cherished grandchildren Indiana, Roxanne, Lucas, and Mia, her brother Edward Calligan (Glenda his spouse), and sister Nancy Synek. Nieces and nephews Steven & Christopher Brathe, Ryan Calligan, Erin Eicher, Anna and Megan Synek will miss her pearls of wisdom and moral compass. 

Being with her family was Mary’s greatest joy. Many of the most beautiful memories were shared with family and friends on Long Beach Island, at Harry’s House. Sandy toes were sometimes exchanged for Thanksgiving dinners, but LBI was her (our) special place. Much Jim Beam was consumed. Many tears of joy were shared, and there were visits to Margaritaville. Mary was deeply spiritual and her spirit fed the people in her life whom she loved and loved some more. Her well was deep and we should all have had the opportunity to have someone in our lives who cared so deeply. 

Mary was a realtor and a banker. Mary volunteered for PTO and delivered Meals on Wheels for many years as a way to contribute to the benefit of humanity. Mary was, most importantly though, a loving mother, grandmother, and wife. 

Mary was a competitive Jeopardy player (do not call between 7-7:30pm). Mary was excellent in the kitchen and her meatball recipe has been consumed by scores of people across the land. 

Mary was always concerned that the people in her life were going through life with their eyes on the road, watching for deer, wearing their seatbelt, making good choices, and being kind. And, if by chance, you were enjoying a meal with her and it was after 11:59am, “This IS dinner.” 

Mary will be forever in our hearts and minds. She loved and is loved. We should all be thought of with such fondness when it comes time for us to leave this world and go be with family in the next. 

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Mary’s name to the Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital. 

Please feel free to join the family for a wake, which will take place at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home 154 East Main Street Port Jervis, NY 12771  on Sunday January 28th from 1:00 -3:00PM. 

The greatest gift that my mother gave me is the moral compass that guides me to try to do good things for this world. She was the best mom anyone could have asked for and everything I do is, in some measure, to make her and my dad proud. She died in her sleep, in her own bed on Saturday morning. She has been battling debilitating disease for the past two years, and being sheltered away from humanity during the pandemic was definitely a contributing factor to her death, but my family has so many amazing memories of her that allow us to draw strength. The Thanksgiving before the pandemic my extended family gathered on Long Beach Island in New Jersey for a big feast. Someone brought a special appetizer, norovirus, and so by the time we started cooking everyone except my mom, me, and my son were throwing up. I cooked a massive feast for a dozen people and by the time it was finished it was just my mom and I sitting at the table–laughing about–what are we going to do with all this food…

                                                                                                                                                         - Joe Resteghini