Irene R. Dirienzo

Irene R. Dirienzo, 85, passed away peacefully at home on January 7, 2023 with her husband Rich by her side. Irene was born in Hackensack on May 10, 1937 to Philip and Catherine Herold (predeceased). Married for 67 years to her “Hon”, they have lived in Clifton, Little Falls, Toms River, Jasper, GA, Kunkletown, PA and finally for the last 9 years in Oakhurst, NJ. It did not matter where they lived so long as they were together.

Irene was a warrior, yet gentle and kind and adored by all. She was a treasured wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Her family was her greatest accomplishment of which she was so proud. She could always be found at each of her children and grandchildren’s activities, never missing one sports game or activity. Before it was trendy, Irene researched and learned all about nutrition and vitamins and she passed this knowledge on to her loved ones. She was an avid

reader and nature enthusiast. She always had music playing in her homes. She has volunteered at animal shelters and has taken in abandoned dogs to nurse them back to health. Irene enjoyed being surrounded by flowers, nature, animals and birds while feeling the sunshine and gentle breeze on her face. Irene and her devoted husband spent time together sitting in their recliners, holding hands while watching recorded football games, their beloved Yankees, and UConn girls’ basketball.

She is survived by her husband, Rich, daughters and their husbands, Susan and Edward Gronske, Diane and Farrokh Force, Linda and John Beriont and her son Richard and Shannon Dirienzo and her daughter-in-law, Tammy who helped care for her so lovingly. She was also survived by her grandchildren, Brittany and daughter Oakley, Arman, Kimberly, Madeline, Soraya and Jaclyn and her sister and friend, Lillian Kantz. She was predeceased by her sister, Phyllis Bunker.

A mass will be held at St. Mary of the Assumption Roman Catholic Church, 46 Richmond Avenue, Deal, NJ at 10:30 am on Saturday, January 14, 2023.

In lieu of flowers, Irene has requested a donation be made to St. Jude’s Children Hospital.