Susan Maria Jonkoski

Susan Maria Jonkoski (Reino), 75, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 31, 2024 in her Tinton Falls home with her sister, Annie, by her side. Suzie was born August 14, 1948 in Irvington, New Jersey. She was predeceased by her parents Susan B. and J. Walter Jonkoski, sister, Mary Jo Christian, brothers, John, Frank, and George; also her dear niece, Alexandra Christian, and most recently her most loving husband, Rey Reino. She is survived by her son, Stephen Fityer as well as stepchildren Reynold Reino Jr., his wife Tara, and their daughter Amanda; and Dominique Jaramillo, her husband Daniel, and their son Joseph; her sister, Annie DiDomenico, and brother, Richard Jonkoski; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Suzie’s passions were her family and friends, travel, her career as an actress, writer, and dancer. She and Rey traveled the world together in the 30+ years they were together, but always found their way back to “The Lake”. They found their success in true love! Suzie watched a handsome man work on the Olympic Park Roller Coaster outside her bedroom window when she was a teenager…turns out it was her Rey!

Suzie was a survivor in all aspects of life. She grew up at the family catering hall—The Club Navaho. As a young woman she graduated from Queens College and went on to pursue her dream to become an actress, writer, and model. Along the way she becoming a dental assistant to support her endeavors. Suzie was unashamed in her battles with mental illness and alcoholism. She committed to AA in 2014 and encouraged others to do the same. At the same time, she fought dual cancers hard, never giving in to it, and always with a smile on her face! She had great caregivers in the last year that she/we greatly appreciated: VNA Hospice nurse Latesha, home health aide, Nora, Mary her neighbor and friend, and near the end, her full-time caregivers, Alberta and Amanda, who all loved Miss Sue!

We are sure that when you hear your phone ring or an eruptive, infectious laugh in a crowded (or quiet) room it will remind you of our Suzie!

Suzie’s funeral will be held on Saturday, June 8th at 11 a.m. at Nativity Church, 180 Ridge Road, Fair Haven, N.J. There will be a visitation from 10-11 a.m. at the church and a repast immediately following the funeral in the Parish Hall.

Services are entrusted to Jersey Shore Cremation, 43 Taylor Avenue, Manasquan, NJ.