Ida Nicastro passed away peacefully at her home in Watchung, New Jersey, on April 9, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She was 97 years old and lived a life defined by devotion to family, faith, and community.

Born on March 10, 1929, in New York City, Ida was the daughter of the late Guisseppe and Michelina Forte. She was raised in the vibrant Little Italy section of New York, where she grew up immersed in rich traditions, strong family values, and the warmth of a close-knit neighborhood.

In 1969, Ida moved to Watchung, New Jersey, where she would spend the remainder of her life building lasting friendships and deep roots in the community she cherished. She worked for many years at Lockheed Martin, serving as a respected supervisor until her retirement in 1990.

Ida found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She was an avid reader and looked forward to her weekly visits to the Watchung Library. She loved traveling with her husband, Lou, and treasured the opportunity to visit the town in Italy connected to her family’s heritage. As a proud and active member of the North Plainfield Senior Citizens Club, Ida organized monthly bus trips to Atlantic City, creating fun and memorable outings for many.

Cooking was another of Ida’s great passions, especially during the holidays when she delighted in preparing meals for her family. She was known by many for her delicious biscotti cookies, which became a favorite family tradition. In her younger years, Ida and her sisters enjoyed trips to the Paramount Theatre to see Frank Sinatra, memories she fondly recalled throughout her life.

Above all else, Ida’s greatest joy was her family. She treasured every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and loved ones, and her warmth, kindness, and gentle spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Ida was predeceased by her beloved husband, Louis Nicastro, and her seven siblings: Joe, Nick, Jim, Dora, Mary, Sue, and Connie.

She is survived by her loving children, Jimmy Nicastro,Jane Disch and her husband, Robert; and by her cherished grandchildren, Julie and Michael Disch, Vincent and Anthony Nicastro, and Marisa Restrepo and her husband, John.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Higgins Home For Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, New Jersey. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s-Stony Hill Roman Catholic Church in Watchung, followed by interment at St. Mary’s-Stony Hill Cemetery.