Columbia M. Altiere

Columbia M. Altiere died the night of February 8th 2022 at her home of 61 years in Manville, NJ. She was surrounded by her loving family throughout her last day. She was 81 years old. Born to Edith & Ernest Martelli in 1940, she grew up in the greenhouses of the family flower business in Yardley, PA. Working alongside her parents and brothers and sisters at an early age, being around flowers and family was second nature. She was always there to lend a hand, get her hands dirty and not stop until the job was done. This work ethic permeated throughout the family, even to this day. She was the oldest daughter and is predeceased by her brothers Junior and Charlie and her sister Julie. She remained close to her brother Pete and sisters Mary and Lori along with all their spouses until her last day. In 1961 she married Tom Altiere from South Bound Brook and moved to Manville where they raised their children. Her family, husband and children were her world. No birthday or anniversary went uncelebrated; she sent flowers, cards, gifts - her generosity had no bounds. She made everyone feel special and loved. Her kindness, openness and generosity were just a few traits but only barely describe how great she was. Always welcoming you with smiles and laughs and something to eat, she always made you feel at home. When the flower shop finally switched hands to the younger generation she decided to take on work closer to home as a receptionist at an ophthalmologist’s office in Bridgewater before retiring. Her home was her pride where the radio was always on and windows always open. She loved being with her husband and visiting with her kids and brothers and sisters. She loved reading magazines and always had a coffee cake on hand for company. She loved a full house, sitting around the table and talking into the night. When she’d go out to restaurants with family they were known to always be the last ones to leave, even after the employees! Columbia left a shining light in each of us. Her torch is carried on by her son John (and Audrey), Tom (and Cathy) and Julie (and Carl). She has six grandchildren; Anthony (and Gabby), Alyssa (and Keelee), Nicole (and Rich), Gabrielle (and Andrew), Eric (and Maddie), and Alex. And there are three newborn great-grandchildren, Adabella, Zoey and Charli. She was an influence on so many including all of her nieces and nephews. The wake will be held on Saturday, February 12, 2022 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at the Ketusky Funeral Home, 1310 Brooks Blvd., Manville, NJ 08835. A Catholic Funeral Service will follow at 10:00 AM at the Ketusky Funeral Home and will be conducted by Father Lee. Burial will follow with a procession to Resurrection Cemetery in Piscataway, NJ where she will Rest In Peace at last next to her husband Tom.

Tributes

Columbia M. Altiere

November 7, 1940 - February 8, 2022