Delia Fevola

Delia Fevola nee Schiano di Cola was born in Monte di Procida, Italy on December 7, 1937. Her parents were Francesco Schiano di Cola and Amalia Romeo di Santillo, and she was the sixth of eight children. They were Vincenzo, Giulia, Maria, Lucia, and Anna Maria, who predeceased her. She leaves behind her brothers, Domenico and Antonio.

She was a child in wartime Italy and received a grade school education. She grew and learned how to survive against struggles in the world. She was a beautiful statuesque woman who was looked up to by many. She was wooed by and fell in love with Francesco Fevola. On April 24, 1960, they both began their life together, as well as their family, in Italy, choosing to follow her mother to America. They sailed across the ocean, joining family, working and making their lives anew in their chosen country on March 11, 1969.

After initially immigrating to Brooklyn, her family ultimately set their roots in Bayville in 1974, and continued their lives in their current home. It became the location for the many ways that Delia made her presence in our world.

She was a wife, mother, aunt, cousin and friend to many. Those of us who knew her, as the tender and kind person she was, understood that she expressed this love exceptionally in the meals she prepared and shared with her family. She knew and loved her children and grandchildren intimately. She created a home where all who entered would be understood, loved, and of course, well fed. Her minestra of escarole was renowned among the family: cooking up a soup, quick meal or some magical combination of leftovers for grandsons after school, a lasagna at her son Tony’s request, or a plate of chicken cutlets for her son Michael. The countless meals she prepared over the years were love letters to those that were fortunate enough to share them with her. She wrote these “love letters” every day to her family. On Sundays especially the family would gather around the dinner table and be showered with this affection - it was impossible not to taste it with each bite. She was a woman who always made sure she cared for those she loved. At meals, she always sat at the head of the table, not so much out of a seat of honor - she was far too practical to be concerned with that. That seat allowed her to move across the room with ease checking on her guests and their plates, ensuring no one at the table would leave feeling hungry or unloved.

She and Francesco would regularly return to their home in Italy in the summer months, leaving a garden of herbs and vegetables for those who were still here. Her generosity was unquestioned, whoever visited would leave with armfuls of breads, cheeses, and fresh produce. She was perpetually ready to whip up a meal to make someone’s bad day a little better. Her interests, understanding and wisdom were deep, and she would gladly share an observation or advice over a cup of espresso or phone call. She is also someone who loved life and had a quick, and sometimes sly sense of humor. To be in on a joke with her was special, her daughter Livia was fortunate enough to know this side of her the best.

She believed life was meant to be lived. She instilled that by living hers for the betterment of her family. She and her husband took a tremendous risk bringing their three young children to America chasing the American dream. Through years of hard work, perseverance, and with the help of her faith her family has achieved that dream. She has left behind an incredible gift for her family - lives without struggle, lives filled with love, and opportunities which she could have only dreamed. She was a woman of devout faith, who sought and found comfort in the rosary daily. She was open in her love and shared it with those whom she counted as family and friends, and for this we are all grateful.

She is survived by her devoted husband Francesco Fevola, who misses her terribly. He has with him their children: Livia and her husband, Giuseppe Lubrano of Bayville, Michael and his wife, Kate of Forked River, and Antonio and his wife, Carol, also of Bayville; five grandchildren, Francesco and his wife, Celia, Giovanni, Michael, Delia and George. There are also countless nieces, nephews and cousins, both here and in Italy, who are missing her now.

Visitation will be on Sunday, July 23, 2023 from 3-7pm at the Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home, 703 Main Street, Toms River, NJ. A mass will be held on Monday, July 24, 2023 at 11 am at St. Barnabas Catholic Church in Bayville. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Toms River.