Anna Marie (Trapicone) Romanoski of North Plainfield, N.J., entered eternal rest at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in Somerville, N.J., Tuesday, May 26, 2026, just four days shy of her 92nd birthday. A loving and cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Anna’s sincerity, pure kindness and boundless affection touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Born May 30, 1934, in Plainfield, N.J., the second of three children of Frank and Carmella Trapicone, Anna grew up in a proud Italian household filled with warmth, love and tradition. She grew up in Plainfield, where she met the love of her life, J. Stephen Romanoski, a young Navy officer. They married and settled in North Plainfield, N.J., where they built their home and life together.

After working briefly for Allstate Insurance, Anna embraced her most cherished and fulfilling role: that of a devoted, doting mother. She proudly welcomed Matthew in 1965 and Mark in 1969, then poured her heart into raising them while serving as a grammar school gym teacher, Cub Scouts den leader, CCD instructor and much more. She cheered from the sidelines at countless Little League, Pop Warner and high school baseball and football games and opened her home with joy for Christmas parties, Fourth of July celebrations, birthday gatherings, pizza nights, mahjong and poker games and many more happy occasions that echoed with family, laughter and love.

Anna adored bingo, playing – and winning – just days before her death, but her true kingdom was at the casino. There, “Nickel Nanny” ruled the 5-cent slot machines with an iron fist wrapped in velvet charm. With family and friends by her side, she turned simple nickel spins into cherished memories and triumphant cheers of victory.

She was predeceased by her husband J. Stephen in 1996, her brother Steve Trapicone in 2025 and several cherished dogs – including Gregory, Heidi, Elvis, Bamboo and Princess – each of whom she loved with every cell in her body.

Anna is survived by her sons, Matthew and his wife Jennifer of Hillsborough, N.J., and Mark and his fiancé Leona Brack-Darby of Bridgewater, N.J.; her three grandsons who lit up her world – Christopher Romanoski and his wife Stephanie of Bordentown, N.J., Joseph Romanoski of Manville, N.J. and Alec Romanoski of Hillsborough; her sister Josephine Caruso of Whiting, N.J.; nephew Joey Caruso; niece Deanna Orellano, her husband Eddie and their son E.J. of Scotch Plains, N.J.; and a wide circle of dear friends who brought endless joy to her life.