Rachel Louise (née DeSantis) Petrone, at the age of 84, peacefully passed into eternal life on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at CareOne at Somerset Valley in Bound Brook, New Jersey.

Born in Somerville, New Jersey, Rachel was the daughter of the late Alfonso and Louise (née Ferrara) DeSantis. She spent her formative years in Manville, New Jersey, before establishing her residence in Martinsville, New Jersey, in 1990.

Rachel graduated from Manville High School with the Class of 1959.

Before starting her family, Rachel worked at Johns Manville, Incorporated in Manville, New Jersey. Later, when her children were in school, she took on several part time positions, including one at the Jolly Ox in South Somerville, New Jersey, one at Baker and Taylor in Bridgewater, New Jersey, and one as an administrative assistant at Jersey Chain & Metal in Hillsborough, New Jersey.

For many years, Rachel was a dedicated and active member of Christ the Redeemer Parish in Manville. During her time there, she was a member of the choir, taught CCD, and spent many summers working at the Sacred Heart Summer Camp. As a gifted artist, Rachel found pleasure in acrylic painting and gardening. She cherished her plants and animals, but above all, she valued her family and her faith in God.

In addition to her parents, Rachel was preceded in death by her brother, Alfonso DeSantis.

Rachel is survived by her beloved husband of 61 years, Vincent Charles Petrone. Rachel and Vincent were born three days apart in the same hospital, attended grammar school and high school together, and married on September 5, 1964. She leaves behind three loving children, Maria and her husband Anthony Marnell of Hillsborough, Christopher Petrone of Martinsville, and Michelle and her husband Victor Anthenelli of Green Brook, New Jersey; five cherished grandchildren, Matthew Marnell, Grace Marnell, Olivia Marnell, Zachary Anthenelli, and Jacob Anthenelli; and an extended family that will cherish her memory.

Family and friends are invited to join together for a viewing at Fucillo & Warren Funeral Home, 205 South Main Street, Manville, NJ 08835 on Sunday, July 26, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Monday, July 27 from 8:00 to 8:30 a.m. The funeral services will begin at the funeral home on Monday, at 8:30 a.m. with transfer prayers followed by a 9:00 a.m. funeral Mass at Christ the Redeemer Parish in Manville. Committal words and interment will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Hillsborough. Memorial contributions may be made in Rachel’s name to Christ the Redeemer Parish, 98 South 2nd Avenue, Manville, NJ 08835. To send condolences to the family, share photographs, or light a virtual candle in memory of Rachel, please visit www.FucilloandWarrenFuneralHome.com.