Obituary of Eileen M. Maiello

Eileen “Smitty” Maiello (née Smith), a longtime resident of Summit, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at St. Clare’s Hospital in Dover. She was 85.

Eileen is survived by one daughter, Kristine Maiello; three sons, Joseph, John & David Maiello; seven grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; two brothers, Jimmy & Donnie Smith; two sisters, Nancy Faulkner & Barbara Romano; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews & extended family members.

In addition to her parents, Eileen was predeceased by her beloved husband, Joseph J. “Slicer” Maiello in 2014; two daughters, Cheryl Maiello & Susan “Dede” Romero; four brothers, John, Thomas, Paul and Lewis Smith; and one sister, Noreen DeGroot.

Eileen was born in Summit on April 24, 1939 to the late Lewis and Helen Smith, where she was raised with her nine siblings.

Eileen’s family was everything to her. She was a wonderful mother who worked hard along with her husband Joe to make life good for their children. Eileen always looked out for people and was “mother” to many other kids that spent time at their home. She was a great cook and always made sure that everyone was well-fed.

Eileen was a people person. She made everyone feel special and important. When she was not taking care of her family, she was a waitress at the Prestige Diner in New Providence. She loved her job and treasured the many friendships she made along the way. Before the Prestige Diner Eileen also worked at the Nautilus Diner in Madison and Marco Polo Restaurant in Summit for many years.

Eileen and Joe were talented bowlers. They spent many evenings and weekends at bowling matches in the area. Eileen enjoyed handcrafting jewelry and working with other small crafts. She was also big fan of Andrea Bocelli, and felt fortunate to see him perform live.

Eileen will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, and remembered forever by her loving family.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend a visitation for Eileen on Sunday, March 23, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison.

All may gather at the funeral home starting at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, March 24, 2025 prior to a funeral service beginning at 10:00 a.m. held at the funeral home.

Interment will follow at St. Vincent's Cemetery, Madison.

Charitable contributions may be made in Eileen’s memory to the Connie Dwyer Breast Cancer Foundation, P .O. Box 85, Short Hills, NJ 07078.