Marco Island, FL--Annette M. Garafola, peacefully passed away on September 5, 2021 with family by her side. She was born on January 1, 1941 to Mary (Nardone) and Cosmo Rizzo (deceased) in New York City. She celebrated life with and is survived by her husband of 60 years, Lawrence (Larry) Garafola, her brother-in-law Michael Garafola, her mother and father-in-law Lawrence and Lillian Garafola (deceased) and her beloved children Larry Garafola and his wife Maureen of Neshanic Station, NJ, Maria Fabbricatore and her husband Mike of Whitehouse Station, NJ and Laura Zamrok and her husband Brian of Annandale, NJ. She is also survived by her beloved Aunt Connie Cioffi (Uncle Joe-deceased) of Coco Beach, FL, Grace (John) Mainello of Troy, NY, Barbara (Richard-deceased) Cannone of Summerfield, FL, Eva (Andrew-deceased) Bongiorno of Albuquerque, NM, Carol Ann Toro of Middletown, NY, Nina (Bill) Wilkening of India Harbour Beach, FL, Lisa Cioffi of Altemonte Springs, FL, her goddaughter Serena Juliano and many other cousins who were like sisters and brothers to her.

She was blessed with and adored her nine cherished grandchildren who called her "Nanny": Michael Fabbricatore, Larry Garafola, Daniel Fabbricatore, Jacquelyn Garafola, Matthew Garafola, Samantha Fabbricatore, Lauren Garafola, Christian Zamrok and Nicholas Zamrok.

Annette lived in Neshanic Station for over 50 years with her husband and in 1986 they discovered Marco Island, Florida. They joined Hideaway Beach Club in 2000 where they have enjoyed life to the fullest with countless friends and beautiful sunsets. She took a special delight when her children and grandchildren visited her at Hideaway Beach.

She lived her life for her family, taking care of her husband, children and grandchildren. She especially enjoyed cooking Sunday dinners with all of her family gathered around. She attended each of her grandchildrens' sports events. Those who knew her will miss her kindness, generosity, smile and humor. She was the perfect gift giver and made every holiday special for her children and her grandchildren.

Annette and Larry created a beautiful life with their family. They taught each of us the importance of faith, family and friends and most importantly unconditional love.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a viewing at Countryside Funeral Home, 724 Route 202 North, Three Bridges, NJ 08887 on Wednesday, September 8 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. and on Thursday, September 9 from 9:45-10:30 a.m.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 9 beginning 10:15 a.m. at the funeral home followed by an 11:00 a.m. funeral liturgy at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Roman Catholic Church in Three Bridges, NJ.  Committal words and interment will take place at Resurrection Cemetery in Piscataway, NJ.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made in her honor to the American Cancer Society.