Raissa Viola Vecchione, age 91, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, February 15th, 2021. She is survived by her sister Luigina, Rome Italy, 5 daughters-Mary, Jessica, Carla, Luigina and Lisa, 4 son-in-laws-Bud, Mark, Dennis and Alfio, 6 adoring grandchildren-Kevin, Rachel, Kelly, Juliana, Jolie and Nicolo and many nieces and nephews in the US, Italy and the UK. Raissa is predeceased by her mother Elisa, father Pasquale, sisters Giuliana, Tina, Anna & brothers Maurizio and Tino and her loving husband of 61 years, Frank C. Vecchione. Born in Ancona, Italy, July 20, 1929, Raissa eventually moved to Rome with her family, where she would remain through WWII. During this time, she sold postcards at the Colosseum and met the love of her life, Frank, an American soldier from Asbury Park. That evening her mother invited him over for a home cooked meal. Before shipping off to Okinawa the next day, Raissa and Frank agreed to be Pen Pals. While corresponding over 8 years, they knew they had something special. At his father’s nudging, (and a ticket on the Andrea Doria) Frank sailed to Italy to see Raissa again. They married two weeks later, and their life together began. Raissa was a wonderful mother and involved in various groups, most notably serving as the President of Friends of Future House serving the mentally ill community. When her children were grown, she spent over 28 years teaching nursery school at the YMCA and School on the Hill. Her students loved ‘Mrs. V’ and gave her a fantastic send off when she retired. She touched so many young lives, and had a wonderful group of friends–especially the Y girls- Adele, Andi, Arlene, Carolyn, Joan, Judy, Patty and Shirley. On her 90th birthday, her friends and family gathered for a wonderful party to celebrate such a phenomenal woman. She will be missed by all! A visitation will be held Friday Feb 19, 2021 9:00am-10:00am Buckley Feneral Home 509 Second Ave Asbury. A Mass of Christian burial 10:30am Holy Spirit Church Asbury. Interment following Mass Mt Calvary Cemetery.  
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