Obituary of Dana M. Esposito

Dana Marie Esposito, 58, of Madison, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at home.

Dana’s life was defined by love, service, and a radiant by-itself energy that touched everyone she met. She leaves behind a remarkable legacy of devotion to her family and to the children she served.

Dana is survived by her beloved husband of 32 years, Stephen R. Esposito; two daughters, Alexis Esposito and her fiancé Jonathan Finocchiaro & Sophia Esposito; two sons, Stephen J. Esposito and Nicholas Esposito; four sisters, Marguerite Ferrara and her husband Phil, Joan Ellen Giunta and her husband Sal, Eileen Pessagno and her husband Charlie, and Mary Katherine Milito and her husband Lou; one brother, Joseph Barbato and his wife Dora, numerous nieces and nephews; and many extended family members, dear friends and colleagues. She is predeceased by sisters Beth Bierbower, wife of Don Bierbower, and Nini Faviano, wife of Jim Faviano.

Dana was born on March 31, 1967 in Morristown. She was raised in Basking Ridge as part of a large, close-knit family with seven siblings, and she carried that warmth and sense of community with her throughout her life. A 1985 graduate of Ridge High School, Dana went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from Glassboro State College (now Rowan University).

On January 15, 1994, Dana and her husband Stephen were married, and eventually the two settled in Madison where they raised their family.

Dana knew her calling was to help children. For many years she worked as an ABA Teacher’s Aide (Applied Behavior Analysis) at Central Avenue School in Madison, where she helped so many children with learning disabilities thrive and learn. This work stood alongside her deepest joy: being a wonderful mother to her four children, whom she adored.

Dana carried immense positive energy and was a selfless, nurturing presence to friends and family alike. She loved to cook and bake for her loved ones, and she transformed her home into a welcoming, comforting space where everyone felt loved and appreciated.

Although Dana will be deeply missed beyond words, she leaves behind a loving family and a lifetime of extraordinary traits she instilled in them. Her kindness, generosity, and steadfast spirit will continue to live on in her family and those who had the privilege of knowing her.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation for Dana on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Vincent Martyr Church, 26 Green Village Road, Madison. For those who are unable to attend the mass in person, please visit www.svmnj.org/livestream-mass

Interment will follow at Holy Rood Cemetery in Morristown.

In lieu of flowers, Dana’s family has kindly requested that charitable contributions be made in her memory to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, P.O. Box 27106, New York, NY 10087-7106