Obituary of Lillian J. Montalbano

Lillian June Montalbano (née Rotsma), a longtime resident of Florham Park, died peacefully on Monday, February 5, 2024.

Lillian is survived by her son, Joseph Montalbano and his wife Theresa of Florham Park; two granddaughters, Albry Smither and her husband Dex & Noelle Steinmeyer and her husband Matt; four great-grandchildren, Zoey, Tabitha, Gage & Reese; three nephews, Darren Rotsma, Tommy Rotsma & Scott Rotsma; one niece, Colleen Rotsma; and several extended family members and dear friends.

She was predeceased by her husband, Anthony Montalbano in 2022; her son, John Thomas Montalbano in 1997; and one niece, Debbie Rotsma.

Lillian was born in Newark to the late Herman and Lillian Rotsma.  She was raised in Irvington and was a graduate of Irvington High School.

Lillian and her husband Anthony settled in Florham Park in 1962 where they raised their two sons. She had a long career at Burrelle’s, a media monitoring company located in Livingston. Lillian also worked at Sears in Livingston for a number of years and was a familiar face there.

Lillian was a wonderful mother and she loved her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews deeply. She was a devoted friend to many and was always there to help. Lillian especially enjoyed spending time with her friends from high school,  Patti Turner, Carol Notte, Irene Rubino and Eileen Sauter and her time at the Florham Park Senior Center. She frequently traveled and had a special place in her heart for the Jersey Shore.

Lillian was a special person and her memory will live on in her family. We will be forever grateful that she was a big part of our lives, especially for her sacrifices, her care and concern, her love, and everything she has done for so many people. May she Rest in Peace.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation for Lillian held on Friday, February 16, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison, New Jersey. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. following the visiting hours.

Entombment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover, New Jersey.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made in Lillian’s memory to St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center, 575 Woodland Ave, Madison, New Jersey 07940