DIANA LEE ZACCARO

August 7, 1953 – October 10, 2025

Diana Lee Zaccaro, 72, of Manville, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at her home on October 10, 2025, surrounded by her loving family and friends.

Born in Somerville on August 7, 1953, Diana was the daughter of the late Dolores Jasniewicz and Louis DeBono. She was raised on Fairview Avenue in Somerville, where she enjoyed a happy childhood filled with family and neighborhood friends. After the birth of her son, she moved to Manville, where she built a warm and welcoming home. In 2008, she and her husband, Raymond, relocated to Mystic Island in Little Egg Harbor Township, where they shared many happy years together along the Jersey Shore. Following Raymond’s passing in 2012, Diana returned to Manville to be closer to her son and family.

Diana received her bachelor’s degree and was a dedicated and hardworking employee throughout her life. She spent over 30 years with Dandy Plastic Company in Somerville, where she served as a secretary and was respected by all who worked with her. After retiring from Dandy Plastic, she continued her career at the Richard Hall Community Mental Health Center in Bridgewater, again as a secretary, where her professionalism and warmth made a lasting impression on her colleagues and clients alike.

An avid sports fan, Diana was a lifelong supporter of the New York Yankees. She also loved football—originally a devoted New York Giants fan, she later became a proud Philadelphia Eagles supporter, a team she and her sister Linda enjoyed cheering for and discussing together every Sunday. Beyond her love of sports, Diana’s heart always belonged to the Jersey Shore, especially Seaside Heights. Since childhood, she cherished summers spent there with her family, returning year after year to the same house her mother rented. The Shore remained one of her happiest and most meaningful places throughout her life.

Diana also had a playful sense of humor and a love for the little things that brought joy, especially the Minions from the Despicable Me movies, which perfectly reflected her lighthearted personality and ability to find laughter in life’s simple moments.

Diana was predeceased by her beloved husband, Raymond Zaccaro, who passed away in 2012, and by her dear sister, Linda Hawkins, who passed away in 2022. She is survived by her devoted and loving son, Vincent Deseno; three cherished nieces, Tami, Sherry, and Tina; her adored grand-nieces Leighanne, Taylor, and Tori, and her grand-nephews Brandon and Nick and grand-niece Skylynn —as well as several great-grand-nieces and nephews who brought her endless joy. She is also survived by her best friend Eileen who was always by her side, and by many loving extended family members and friends.

Family and friends are invited to visit on Thursday, October 16, 2025, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Boulevard, Watchung, New Jersey. Cremation services will be held privately, and Diana’s cremated remains will be laid to rest at a later date in the family plot at Bound Brook Cemetery.

Diana will be remembered for her warmth, humor, loyalty, and the deep love she had for her family and friends. Her kindness and laughter will be dearly missed by all who were fortunate to know her.