Raphael (Rae) Louise Papa, 92, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday May 2. Born in Neptune, New Jersey, Rae was a long-time resident of Asbury Park, NJ. She was a regular communicant of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Rae worked for over 40 years as an office manager in her brother’s dental practice, Dr. Carney Vetrano in Asbury Park. Rae was predeceased by her loving parents, Joseph and Carmella Vetrano; her sisters, Anna Siliato and Madeline Crupi; her brothers, Dr. Carney Vetrano, Dominick Vetrano and most of all her husband of 56 years, Mario Papa. She is survived by her many loving and caring nieces, nephews, Grand nieces and nephews; Great nieces and nephews and also her dear friend, Vittoria St. Peter. Rae loved traveling, reading, dining out, especially at her nephews, Joseph and Carney Vetrano’s restaurants. For many years she loved Sunday dinners at her sister’s house with all her family gathered. One of her special loves was the Bond Street family who shared their homes, meals and loving friendships. Always impeccably dressed, Rae was very often the life of many family celebrations and occasions. In essence she was, “The life of any party!” Special thanks to Olgas helpers, Maria and Anna her caregivers and Embracing Hospice for making her final days comfortable. In lieu of flowers kindly make donations to EmbracingHospiceCare.org. Visitation will be held Wednesday May 5, 2021. 4:00pm -7:00pm. Buckley Funeral Home 509 Second Ave, Asbury Park. A Mass of Christian burial Thursday 11:30 am Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church. Asbury Park. Interment immediately following St. Catharines Cemetery, Sea Girt.
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