Melissa “LaLa” Mattei, age 55, passed peacefully on Wednesday, July 22, 2020 after a courageous 27-year battle with breast cancer. She was born January 25, 1965 in New York to Hortensia Rodriguez and her late father, Miguel Mattei. She was a 1983 graduate of Immaculata High School and worked as a legal secretary for Bressler, Amery & Ross where she recently celebrated 24 years of employment.
Melissa was a dedicated mother first and foremost. She treasured her children and embraced every moment with them. She especially loved her role as LaLa to her grandchildren. She had a zest for life despite life’s hardships and her vivacious personality always made everyone around her laugh. Her resilient spirit encouraged her family and friends to persist in the face of many struggles. She will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.
Melissa is survived by her three daughters, Erica Cilento, Meghan Morales and Jodie Morales; her son-in-law, Stephen Cilento; her grandchildren, Emilia Cilento and Evan Cilento; her mother, Hortensia Rodriguez; her siblings, Michael Mattei, Esteban Mattei, Miguel Mattei Jr and wife Jennifer Mattei; her aunt, Esther Mattei Cordts and husband Dennis Cordts. She is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins and several beautiful friends that have become like family. She is predeceased by her father, Miguel Mattei; maternal grandparents, Catalina Vega and John Vega; and paternal grandparents Maria E. Burgos and Bernardo Mattei.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 28, 2020 from 12-4pm at Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street. Family, friends and others whose lives Melissa touched are invited to reminisce, grieve and most importantly, celebrate her life. Due to COVID restrictions, masks are required to attend, and social distancing will be observed.
Memorial donations may be made to Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840 for the family of Melissa.
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Elaine (Sugapie) says
July 24, 2020 at 3:49 pmSugarpie: My heart is so broken. I am so honored to have had you as my best friend for 24 years. We had a special friendship, and our families have become one. Your girls are my daughters; my sons were your boys. Thank you for so many wonderful memories. Not only were you my best friend, you were my sister, coffee partner, co-worker, lunch buddy, personal shopper, and co-pilot in this crazy life. Your laugh was contagious, and we sure had some good laughs together! Please know I will NEVER forget you. Rest in Eternal Peace my beautiful friend. xoxo
Christine (Diaz) Walford says
July 24, 2020 at 7:12 pmI am so sorry for your loss. May Melissa Rest In Peace
Sara M says
July 28, 2020 at 7:50 pmMelissa, you were an inspiration. You went the extra mile without breaking a sweat. You were upbeat and a pleasure to know as a friend and colleague. I will miss you. I am sending hugs to your girls, mom, grandkids and family at this time.
Love, Sara, Mike, Mickey and Emily Mazzolla
Deborah Cilento says
August 7, 2020 at 2:19 pmRest in Heavenly Peace in Gods beautiful light of Love Melissa. I am sorry you had to leave your Loved ones so soon but I know it was not your choice but Gods. My Heartfelt sincere condolence goes out to your Mom, brother, daughters and grandchildren. Please know I will tell Emilia and Evan that “La La” had to go up to heaven and that you will always be with them even if they cannot see you, and that you Loved them so very much. Sending Love, Hugs and Prayer for healing through this difficult time.
Love Deb
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