Bridgewater, NJ –Michele M. (nee DiLella) Reina, 97, entered into eternal life on Friday, February 2, 2024 at Avalon Assisted Living at Bridgewater in Bridgewater, NJ, with loving family at her side.  Born and raised in Hoboken, NJ, daughter of the late Angelo and Michelina (nee Antonacci) DiLella, Michele resided in Union City, NJ when she married in 1950, and then moved to and spent many years in Staten Island, NY.  After her husband retired, she spent thirty-eight years living in Crestwood Village 6 in Whiting, NJ, where she was actively engaged in planning and hosting various social activities.  She had resided in Bridgewater since 2019.

Michele was a graduate of Holy Rosary Academy High School in Union City.  Michele worked for many years as a hostess at the Rustic Inn in Staten Island and her most recent employment was at Heartland Realty in Whiting, where she worked as an administrator.  Michele's Catholic faith was always important to her, and she was a communicant at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Manchester Township, NJ.  She was very active throughout her life.  She was an artist and in particular enjoyed oil painting.  Michele was a music fan who especially admired the musical talents of Frank Sinatra.  She was a seamstress who made her own dresses throughout much of her adult life.

Besides her parents, Michele was predeceased by her beloved husband, Richard K. Reina who died on February 8, 2006; three siblings, Dominick DiLella, Anthony DiLella, and Rita DiLella; grandson, Karl Reina, II; great grandson, Jonathan Reina, Jr.; and niece, Mary Lanuti.

Michele is survived by three loving children, Richard A. Reina and his wife, Margaretanne of Neshanic Station, NJ, Michael A. Reina of Somerville, NJ, and Karl Reina and his wife, Betty Ann of Staten Island; five cherished grandchildren, Michael N. Reina, Leanne and her husband, Thomas Paolozzi, Jonathan Reina and his wife, Lakeya, Michele Ann Reina, and John Schwolow and his wife, Jennifer; six adored great grandchildren, Juliana Paolozzi, Michael I. Reina, Kori Mae Reina, Harper Schwolow, Teagan Schwolow, and Declan Schwolow; and eight dear nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial visitation on Saturday, February 10, from 1:15-2:15 p.m. at Countryside Funeral Home, 724 Route 202 North, Three Bridges, NJ 08887.  Transfer prayers will begin at 2:15 p.m. at the funeral home followed by a 3:00 p.m. memorial mass at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Roman Catholic Church in Three Bridges.

Memorial contributions may be made in Michele's name to the Deborah Hospital Foundation, 212 Trenton Road, Browns Mills, NJ 08015; 609-893-0100; or  www.DeborahFoundation.org.  To send condolences to the family, share photographs, or light a virtual candle, please visit  www.CountrysideFuneralHome.com.