On January 31, 2023, Lena Forte passed away peacefully in her sleep at age 89.  

Lena was born in Jersey City, NJ to Anthony D’Esposito and Rachel Cappiello, Italian immigrants from Sorrento, Italy. She remained close to her parents and siblings throughout all their lives, and she preserved many rich traditions around food and family which she passed on to her own children, who were always at the center of everything that mattered to her.  Much of her family's lore finds its roots around prepared and shared meals at a big dinner table during holidays. She was a marvelous cook and a phenomenal baker.

Lena had an adventurous soul. She was always out on a bus tour, down the shore, or traveling to other states and countries with family and friends. There was no destination when asked, that she would say no to, and her calendar was always full. When traveling became more difficult she loved to simply sit in the sun reading a book wherever she might be. 

Lena will be very missed as she now reunites with her devoted husband of 46 years, Bob Forte. She is survived by her sister Marie, her five children Michael, Robert, Diane, Gregory, and Mark, and her twelve grandchildren, all of whom she adored and who adored her in return. We will always hold her memory close in our hearts.

The family welcomes friends on Sunday, February 5 from 3-7 pm at the Calhoun-Mania Funeral Home on 19 Lincoln Avenue in Rutherford NJ. The funeral gathering is Monday at 8:30am at the FH, followed by a 9:30am Mass at Church of St. Mary in Rutherford. Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Kip Center, in recognition of the tremendous service and community they provided Lena in her later years. Checks may be made out to The Kip Center and dropped to the Funeral Home during visitation, or else mailed directly to The Kip Center, 55 Kip Avenue, Rutherford NJ 07070, memo Lena Forte.

Family will receive friends Sunday February 5th from 3:00 to 7:00pm at the Calhoun-Mania Funeral Home, 19 Lincoln Ave., Rutherford.  Funeral Monday gathering 8:30am at the Funeral Home for a 9:30am Mass of Christian Liturgy at the Church of Saint Mary, Rutherford.  Interment Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington.