Philomena E. Genatempo
Philomena Genatempo Obituary
****Please see revised funeral schedule****
Philomena E. Genatempo, formerly of Old Bridge, New Jersey, and a resident of Blue Point for the last 20 years, passed away on November 28, 2020 surrounded by her loving family. She was born in New York City in 1940 and grew up in Astoria, Queens before moving to Brooklyn after marrying her one, true love Tony. There, she and Tony raised two boys before moving to New Jersey in 1978.
Philomena had a career working as a secretary at Rutgers University for many years. While residing in Old Bridge, she sat on the Old Bridge Township Planning Board, was the President of the PTA, and worked at the John Glenn Elementary School as a lunch aide. She also was the campaign manager of a successful mayoral election. After retiring and moving to Blue Point, her volunteer work went into high gear. She was active with the Salvation Army, working both at Ground Zero at the World Trade Center and TWA Flight 800, having boots on the ground assisting first responders. Philly also worked tirelessly to fulfill the Christmas wishes of less fortunate children thru the Angel Tree program. She was passionate about her community and the home, becoming President of the Springhorn Condo Association. With all she did, Philomena still found time to help at the Blue Point Library, assist the Nuns at the Ursaline Convent, and be involved with Creative Ministries in Oakdale as long as she didn’t have to sing. Her faith was also especially important to her, as she was a member of St. John Nepomucene R.C. Church in Bohemia where she served as Eucharistic Minister, was an integral part of the St. John Women’s Group and was an enthusiastic Choir groupie.
Throughout her entire life, Philomena gave of herself to those around her, whether family, friends, neighbors, or someone she met in line at the bank. Hers was also the first birthday, anniversary or holiday card you would receive in your mailbox throughout the entire year. She was known to always have a smile on her face, was prone to laugh, have a caring and kind demeanor, and always a kind word. She nurtured and cherished the friendships of many people she met during her life, continuing those relationships for decades and through her last days.
Philomena is survived by her son Anthony, currently of New Mexico, and his son Rett. She is also survived by her son Mark of Pennsylvania, his wife Cari, and their children Matthew and Liliana. In addition, she is survived by her sister Peggy Mariani and brother-in-law Ray, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and Godchildren. She is predeceased by her husband Tony and her sister Rosemary Kennedy.
Donations in lieu of flowers made in memory of Philomena Genatempo may be made in support of pancreatic cancer surgical research at Thomas Jefferson University. Please donate online at www.jefferson.edu/GiveSurgery
*****Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, August 7th at 10:00 a.m. at St John Nepomucene RC Church 1140 Church St. Bohemia*****
