Anna Tombasco Runiak

Ann Tombasco Runiak, 97 passed away peacefully at home on April 28th, 2024 with her son, Frank and daughter in-law, Theresa Runiak at her side.

She was referred to as “Ma” and “Mamasita” by all close to her. She was born in Newark, NJ on October 25th, 1926 to Angelo and Lena Murello and resided there for several years.

Ann married Frank Runiak Sr. on May 29th, 1958 a steel worker foreman. She had 1 son and lived in Hillside NJ until her husband passed away in 1965. She remarried in 1980 to Joseph Tombasco until his passing in 1992.

In Ann’s younger years, she was a stunning dresser, with matching shoes and outfits. She enjoyed good meals and dancing. Her witty sense of humor brought delight to family and friends and still does to this day. For sixteen years she was a cheerful phone operator for Bell Telephone in Newark NJ. Later employed by Villa Maria for many years in North Plainfield NJ, then retired in 2000.

Ann bravely fought and won her battle with breast cancer as having been a survivor of it for over 30 years.

Later in life and after becoming a Christian, her life passions were her granddaughter, church on Sunday, giving to charities, watching Jeopardy, other game shows including Wheel of fortune, and reading a good mystery book. Ann was the “oldest” member in her church at 97. She was loved by many, had a gentle and faithful spirit who has left many fond memories with all who knew her.

Ann is predeceased by her parents, husband Frank and second husband Joe. She is also predeceased by her granddaughter Maxine Anne Runiak whose middle name was derived in honor of her. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Frank and Theresa Runiak, brother Andrew Murello, dear nieces, nephews, and other/ distant relatives.

Flowers are welcomed however, gifts and donations may also be given to Ann's favorite charity, called “Manville Feeding Hands”. Checks can be made out and sent to Emmanuel Baptist Church with Feeding Hands in the memo area.

Repast Lunch will be Sunday starting at 12:15 - 12:30 (after Emmanuel Baptist Church (EBC) church service in Manville NJ. All is welcome to the service beforehand at 11:00am. We know Ann would love that all come before celebrating her life at the repast.