Sylvia Frances Greaney

Sylvia Frances Greaney (née Cadalzo) passed away peacefully on September 26, 2025 in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, surrounded by her family. She was 82 and had been diagnosed with cancer in mid-August.

Born March 9, 1943 in New York City, Sylvia moved as a young child to Point Pleasant with her mother, Luisa Cadalzo, and her grandmother, Margaret Rola, and grew up embraced by a large, loving family.

Sylvia married Richard Greaney, her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, in 1961. They made their first home in Toms River, New Jersey and later moved to Island Heights, New Jersey. In time, Sylvia returned to Point Pleasant, where she treasured being near family and lifelong friends. Family gatherings large and small, many organized by Sylvia, were a constant joy throughout her life.

Sylvia’s life was marked by dedication, resilience, and an abiding love for family. After Richard’s death, she raised their four children as a single parent – not an easy task! Professionally, Sylvia worked as an office administrator, managed several retail stores and then built a long career in sales across a range of industries, including newspapers, coffee roasters, metal products, and medical supplies, where her adaptability and strong work ethic shone.

Civic-minded and energetic, Sylvia started and coached one of the first girls soccer teams in Toms River. While living in Island Heights, she served with Island Heights First Aid Squad. In Point Pleasant, she took joy in the fellowship of the Senior Contact group at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.

Outside of her work and service, Sylvia loved gardening, spending time near the ocean, and being with the people she loved most. Whether tending to flowers or simply sitting with family members, she met life’s moments with warmth and care.

A devoted mother, Sylvia is survived by her children Michael, Michelle, Richard, and Robert, and their spouses and partners: Susan, Barb Steele, Cindy, and Steve Millman, respectively. Sylvia also held fond memories of being a proud foster parent to Deb Hope, Frances Saenz and several others. Her adored grandchildren are Charlotte, Claire, Scott, Zachary, Paul, Janice, Jennifer, and Patricia. She is also survived by her brothers Albert and Luis Cadalzo, and her sister-in-law Sharon Cadalzo. She was predeceased by her husband Richard (1978).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sylvia’s honor to Mary's Table at St. Mary’s-by-the-Sea (https://saintmarysbythesea.org/marys-table) or the Tara Miller Foundation (https://taramillerfoundation.org). Mary’s Table provides food and fellowship to all who hunger or seek companionship in a loving environment of acceptance. The Tara Miller Melanoma Foundation raises funds to support research of effective treatment methods and ultimately a cure for melanoma.

A celebration of Sylvia’s life will be held at a later date. If you would like to be notified when details are available, please email greaneymj@gmail.com .

Services are entrusted to Jersey Shore Cremation Service, 43 Taylor Avenue, Manasquan, NJ - JerseyShoreCremation.com