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It's a Wonderful Life, Maria Augusta!
New Jersey Star Ledger©....Oct 7, 2011....07:00 AM.......
With very heavy hearts, we would like to announce the passing of Maria Augusta Cicchino. She was nearly 77 years old. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Quintino, four children, Felice, Antonio(&Laurie), Robert and Maria, two grandchildren, Anthony Joseph and Leslie Anne, two great grandchildren, Leylanie and Leyla, three sisters, Bianca, Iole, and Victoria, and many other cousins, nieces and nephews.
A Brief Biography of a Wonderful Life
Maria Augusta was born in Italy in late 1934 and was raised during the war-torn years of World War II. She was the oldest of four sisters. She would often have to gather her sisters and what food she could find and head for the mountains during air-raids of the Italian villages. Her mother would feed and shelter many of the children around the neighborhood, as her family had a little more than most back then. It was in these years that Maria acquired her fearlessness and leadership - attributes she would carry with her the rest of her life.
After the liberation of Europe, Maria Augusta would learn two of her trademark skills: cooking and sewing. Her mother Anna, a gifted cook and seamstress, taught Maria her secrets, just as her own mother did a generation before. Maria’s father Umberto, a retired soldier, store owner and member of the city council, sent her to school to learn how to be a professional dress maker. Maria would later earn a living as a skilled seamstress and a reputation as a great cook.
As unbelievable as it sounds, Maria met her future husband and soul mate for life when she was just 3 years old. A 7 year-old boy named Quintino Cicchino, whose family lived close by in the village, was walking past Umberto’s house one day in 1938 when he saw young Maria standing in the doorway. This was the beginning of a love story that would not end until 2011.
With jobs hard to find in Europe after the war, Quintino left for America in 1953 on the well-known ship Andrea Doria, to live with his Uncle Felice and Aunt Carmela, who had come to America about 35 years before him. Quintino worked as a truck builder while studying for a profession in electronics. He returned for Maria a short time later. They were married in Italy in August of 1954. Quintino returned to America to continue his work and studies, and Maria followed him in 1955 to begin their new life together in the Land of Opportunity.
For a little more than a decade, Maria and Quintino lived in Kearny, New Jersey, where in the early 1960’s, all four of their children were born. In 1966, they bought their first house in Cheesequake, New Jersey, or what is now Old Bridge. In 1972, they moved to the historical city of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, where Maria lived out the remainder of her life. She worked for many years as a seamstress there, while Quintino worked in the electronics field. She was a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church on Rector Street, where in 1978, she won the Mother of the Year Award. (Of course, we are biased and believe she should have won “Mother of the Century.”)
In 1982, Maria Augusta would return to the land of her birth for the first time in 27 years. Many friends and relatives in Guasto and the other villages of Castel Petroso, as well as in nearby cities, were excited by the news of Maria’s return home, and anxiously awaited the moment. Upon her arrival, she was treated like a celebrity and a huge celebration had begun. During her visit, the Italian soccer team won the World Cup, which was additional reason to celebrate. Maria’s father Umberto said that her return to Italy had brought them good luck. From 1991 to 2008, Maria would return to Italy 6 more times. In 2000, she went to see her father shortly before his death, at age 90. In 2008, she went to see her mother one last time before her death the following year, at age 95.
One of Maria’s great passions was gardening. She loved to plant flowers and watch them grow like her own children. She had beautiful ones growing this year; they were especially bright and colorful. Many people who visited her house would compliment her on how lovely they were. Maria didn’t limit her botanical talent to the outdoors; she also had a nice array of indoor plants that she nurtured on a daily basis. (We are all grateful for the extra oxygen they provide.) Another love of hers was watching and feeding the many species of birds that live around the house and in the state of New Jersey. She also loved to cook for and take care of her family, as she was selfless and didn’t care much for material things. She was always strong, compassionate, energetic, positive, and had a zest for life. She lived happily in Perth Amboy up to the time of her death.
Maria Augusta Cicchino went to meet her maker at 10:00 PM on Sunday, September 18th, after succumbing to leukemia. Her courageous battle in the face of adversity will forever be an inspiration to us all. She went peacefully in her sleep with family beside her. She will be dearly missed by all whose life she touched, and we are sure she misses all of you for touching her life in some way, no matter how small. We knew this moment would come one day, and now that it has, there is an emptiness in our hearts and family that can never be filled. Please sign the registry book and light a candle for Maria Augusta.
Sincerely,
The Cicchino Family
| Maria Augusta's Life Statistics |
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| Birthday: | December 19th, 1934 |
| Place of Birth: | Guasto,
Castel Petroso,
CampoBasso,
Italy |
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| Parents: | Umberto D'Uva,
Anna Martella D'Uva |  |
| Sisters: | Bianca,
Iole,
Victoria |  |
| Husband: | Quintino Cicchino |  |
| Children: | Felice,
Antonio(& Laurie),
Robert,
Maria |  |
| Grandchildren: | Anthony Joseph,
Leslie Anne |
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| Great Grandchildren: | Leylanie Faith,
Leyla Eve, |  |
| Came to America: | 1955 |
What Things Cost in 1955
Car: $1,950
Gasoline: 29 cents/gal
House: $17,500
Bread: 18 cents/loaf
Milk: 92 cents/gal
Postage Stamp: 3 cents
Stock Market: 488
Avg Annual Salary: $5,000
Minimum Wage: 75 cents/hr
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| Occupation: | Seamstress | |
| Hobbies: | Cooking & Baking,
Plants & Gardening,
Bird Feeding,
Knitting |
 
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| Residency: | Perth Amboy, N.J. |
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| Religion: | Episcopal Catholic,
St. Peter's Church,
Perth Amboy, NJ |
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| Date of Passing: | September 18th, 2011 |
| As you already know, Maria Augusta was an excellent cook with many recipes that were handed down to her through many generations in her family. My mother would say that there is no recipe, you just put a little of this, a little of that. I knew that one day I would miss these foods that I loved when I moved away, so I wrote some of my favorites down. One of Maria Augusta's favorite classic baking recipes is her Italian apple cake. We are sharing this old-school family recipe with you today, as well as others. This is a very easy cake to make, and it's very delicious, so beware! |
| Show Maria's Apple Cake Recipe |
Apple Cake
Ingredients:
- 2 or 3 Cups Flour
- 3 or 4 Eggs
- 1 Cup Vegetable Oil (or Butter or Margarine)
- 1-1/2 Cups Sugar
- Cinnamon, 2 Teaspoons
- Vanilla, 2 Teaspoons
- Fresh Baking Powder, 2 Teaspoons
- 6 to 10 Apples, Peeled and Sliced, then Cut Slices in Half
Needed:
- Measuring Cup and Spoons
- Mixing Bowl
- Round Cake Tin (bundt type)
- Wood Mixing Spoon
Directions:
- Put all ingredients except the apples and flour in a hand mixing bowl.
- Using a wood spoon, mix batter by hand.(do NOT use a blender!)
- Slowly add in flour until batter is at a medium cake batter consistency.(Do not add too much flour, batter will be too thick)
- Add in the sliced apples and mix batter a few more seconds.
- Grease the round cake tin with vegetable oil and pour batter into it.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Bake for 1 hr at 375 F.
- Test with a toothpick. Stick a toothpick in the cake, and if it comes out dry, the cake is done.
- Let Cool 1 Hour.
- Serve.
Download Maria's Apple Cake Recipe
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| Show Maria's Potato Pie Recipe |
Potato Pie
Ingredients:
- Garlic, One slice from clove
- 2 or 3 Eggs
- Butter, 3 Spoonfulls
- Salt, 1 Teaspoon
- Black Pepper, 1 Teaspoon
- Velveeta Cheese Spread, cut into small cubes
- Grated Parmesan Cheese, 1/2 Cup
- 10 Large Potatoes
Needed:
- Measuring Cup and Spoons
- 2" High Pyrex Baking Tray
- Mixing Bowl
- Electric Mixer or Wood Spoon
Directions:
- Boil 10 Potatoes for 20 minutes or until soft and mash them in mixing bowl.
- Add Crushed Garlic, Butter, Eggs, Parmesan Cheese, Velveeta cubes, Salt & Pepper.
- Using hand Mixer or wood spoon, mix all ingredients very well.
- Put a little vegetable oil on a napkin and brush it on the inside of the pyrex baking tray.
- Move the potato mixture into the baking tray and smooth it out level with wood spoon.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Bake for 40 minutes at 400 F.
- Let Cool 1 Hour.
- Serve.
Download Maria's Potato Pie Recipe
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| Show Maria's Pineapple Cake Recipe |
Pineapple Cake
Ingredients:
- 3 raw eggs
- 1 Package of cream cheese
- 1 Cup of vegetable oil (Canola, Corn, etc.)
- 1 Cup of sugar
- 1 Can of pineapples (chopped or diced)
- 2-˝ Cups of flour
- 2 Teaspoons of baking powder
Needed:
- Measuring Cup and Spoons
- Aluminum Cake Pan
- Mixing Bowl
- Wood Spoon
Directions:
- Strain excess liquid from pineapples and then chop into smaller pieces.
- In a large ceramic or glass bowl, add the cream cheese, sugar and oil.
- Soften in microwave oven. (Do not overheat.)
- Remove from microwave oven and mix with wood spoon.
- Add the eggs, pineapples, flour and baking powder.
- Mix the ingredients by hand until smooth.
- Grease inside of an aluminum cake pan; then coat inside with some flour.
- Pour cake batter into pan.
- Preheat oven to 375 °F.
- Bake for 1 hour at 375 °F and then check. (Bake for an additional 15 to 30 minutes if a more crispy cake is desired.)
- Remove cake from oven and let cool at room temperature for 1 hour before eating or refrigerating.
Notes:
- Do not substitute baking soda for baking powder.
- Add an extra can of pineapples for a more fruity cake.
- Top with glaze, light icing or whipped cream, if desired.
Download Maria Augusta’s Pineapple Cake Recipe
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| Show Maria's Strufoli Recipe |
Strufoli (Italian honey balls)
Ingredients:
- 4 Raw eggs
- 1 Egg yolk
- 1/4 cup shortening
- 1/2 Tablespoon sugar
- 1 Tablespoon baking powder
- Dash of salt
- 1/2 Teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 Cups vegetable oil for frying
- 1-1/2 Cup honey
- 1 Teaspoon orange zest
- Colored non-pareils
Needed:
- Measuring Cup and Spoons
- Chopping Board
- Deep Stock Pot
- Honey Pot
- Slotted Spoon
Directions:
- Place flour on board, making a well in the center.
- Place eggs, egg yolk, shortening, sugar, salt and lemon peel into the well.
- Mix well, working the dough with your hands.
- Shape into very small balls about 3/4" in diameter.
- Cover with damp paper towels and let the dough balls rest about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Heat the oil in a deep stock pot to about 350 degrees.
- Drop the balls a few at a time into the hot oil until golden brown.
- Balls will float, just turn them around for even browning.
- Melt honey in a saucepan and add orange zest.
- As soon as the balls are fried, take them from the oil directly to the honey pot.
- Let them float in the honey for about 30 seconds.
- Lift them out with a slotted spoon and put them on a serving dish, piling them into a conical shape.
- If desired, sprinkle with non-pareils while the honey is still warm.
- Let Cool 1 Hr and Serve.
Notes:
- This is a classic Italian treat served around Christmas time.
Download Maria Augusta’s Strufoli(Honey Balls) Recipe
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All that you touch
All that you see
All that you taste
All you feel.
All that you love
All that you hate
All you distrust
All you save.
All that you give
All that you deal
All that you buy,
beg, borrow or steal.
All you create
All you destroy
All that you do
All that you say.
All that you eat
And everyone you meet
All that you slight
And everyone you fight.
All that is now
All that is gone
All that's to come
and everything under the sun is in tune
but the sun is eclipsed by the moon.
"The size of your heart is not measured by how much YOU love, but by how much you are loved by others."
-- The Wizard of Oz to the Tin Man
......A message from a Son......
Dear mother, today I start the rest of my life without you.
This wont be easy. I will always cherish the memories I have of you, and how you were always there at the hardest times in my life. You loved the simple things in life, the flowers, the rain, taking care of family. I will miss our frequent talks, but I know you are in a better place, you must be. I hope you had a great life, because you sure gave me one. I will always love you and never forget you. You were the fearless leader, the matriarch of our family. You left your Italian homeland after the war, to find a better way in America, a place totally foreign but one you made your own. You never complained, even when you were in pain, you never asked for anything as material things were insignificant. I never thought you would be taken from us so early, but I guess it's a part of life. Rest in peace Ma, you deserve it.
..........Your Beloved Son Antonio
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 Please Sign Registrar Here. |
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Registry Signatures  ON: Dec 19, 2011, 6:22AM
Laurie and family
FROM: New Jersey
WROTE: Happy Birthday Mom! We love you and we will be lighting a candle for you today in honor of your birthday. We hope you have a great birthday with your family and friends in Heaven. XO
ON: Nov 20, 2011, 7:15PM
Miguel Angel Juarez G.
FROM: San Luis Rio Colorado
WROTE:
ON: Nov 6, 2011, 7:01PM
Tony Negron
FROM: Sayreville/Parlin, NJ
WROTE: Our condolences to you and your family, may God Bless you all and peace be with you.
ON: Nov 6, 2011, 8:02AM
William Cicchino
FROM: Summit New Jersey, USA
WROTE: Rest in peace Maria.
ON: Oct 18, 2011, 1:01PM
Robin Mayas Farinella
FROM: Tarpon Springs, Florida
WROTE: Tony....My heart aches for you & your family during this time. My Condolences. I am sorry for your loss. This a beautiful dedication to your beloved Mom. I am at a loss for adequate words to express my sadness for you. Please know you are in my heart and prayers.
Love,Robin
ON: Oct 15, 2011, 1:18PM
Tracy Pulaski
FROM: Old Bridge, NJ
WROTE: Tony & family, I know how hard it is to lose your mom. Moms are everything in a family. Remember the good times and how much love she gave you and try to pass that love and good memories on to everyone you can.
ON: Oct 14, 2011, 10:19AM
George Demetri Costas
FROM: Tarpon Springs, Florida
WROTE: So sorry about your loss. May her memory be eternal.
ON: Oct 13, 2011, 12:08PM
Joe and Joanne
FROM: Middletown, New Jersey
WROTE: A beautiful tribute to a beautiful lady, sadly missed but never forgotten
ON: Oct 11, 2011, 10:08AM
Louie Tricules
FROM: Highlands, New Jersey
WROTE: My heart goes out to all the family. With much love Louie Tricules
ON: Oct 11, 2011, 5:49AM
bill wickey
FROM: morristown
WROTE: AS A STRANGER AND THEN AS A FRIEND MARIA ALWAYS TREATED ME LIKE I WAS SPECIAL. WHEN SHE WAS IN MORRISTOWN SHE WOULD ALWAYS OFFER ME FOOD. WHEN SHE FOUND-OUT I WAS NOT A FOOD GUY SHE WOULD OPEN A COLD ONE FOR ME. I WILL MISS HER FRIENDLY SMILE AND ABOVE ALL, HER KINDNESS TOWARD ME. LOVE.
ON: Oct 9, 2011, 6:54PM
Frank Cifelli (Son of Esterina & Antonio
FROM: Florham Park
WROTE: Quintino, Maria and others, I am very sorry to hear of Maria's passing. I have very fond memories of Maria Augusta, Quintino and Bianca. When we were children, my parents, Antonio & Esterina Cifelli, used to take us visiting many "compaesani" from Castelpetroso. We always thought very fondly of Maria & Quintino. May God bless you all. Un abbraccio. Frank
ON: Oct 9, 2011, 12:13PM
salvatore@linda duva
FROM: bloomfield nj
WROTE: I am so sorry that i couldn t make it i can only remember all the good times we had.
ON: Oct 9, 2011, 5:44AM
FR Rod and Maggie Croes
FROM: South River NJ
WROTE: Dear Tony and family
You were in our thoughts recently. We are sorry to hear of your mom's passing. We have so many wonderful memories of you all growing up next to the rectory on that special street. You have written a beautiful tribute to your mom and you have given us sacred reflections. I still remember you all over the street and playing in the parish parking lot hours on end. I remember when Maria and her art class spent the summer painting figures on all the Perth Amboy fire hydrants. Your moms was always so kind and caring.
ON: Oct 7, 2011, 7:02PM
Maria Napolitano
FROM: North Caldwell, N.J.
WROTE: I am so sorry for your mother's ,passing. She was a wonderful lady who was very beautifull with flawless skin. I am the daughter of Nick and Emily D'Uva and we lived in Kearny. My materal grandfather, Giuseppe Cifelli , was cumpare with your maternal grandparents. Guiseppe lived with Zio Felice and Zia Carmela for many years and we would visit often. I also remember when your Aunt Blanca visited from Italy and hung out with my mother, Emily.(she recently passed with Alzheimer's disease at age 84). I ran into Banca in Isernia a couple of years ago.
I remember when your mom came from Italy and she and Quintino lived upstaires from Zio Felice's home and their first daughter was born. I also remember Emma and Romano, whom we have seen throughout the years.
So many fond memories of your wonderful family.
My sincerest sympathies to Quintino and the rest of the family for your loss.
Maria D'Uva Napolitano
Maria D'Uva Napolitano
ON: Oct 7, 2011, 3:12PM
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FROM: NJ Star Ledger
WROTE: What a beautiful life story-her spirit is with you-i know-i had a mother like that and my heart is still with her-funny things happen-you may find something puzzling and then you realize-they are always with you in spirit.
ON: Oct 7, 2011, 3:11PM
Annie Miranda
FROM: Garwood, New Jersey
WROTE: Again i want to express my condolences to you and your family. She was always pleasant when you would bring her here to Liquiflo.
ON: Oct 7, 2011, 2:34PM
Richard Picut
FROM: Cranford New Jersey
WROTE: Dear Mama Cicchino....thats what I always refered to you as. You are going to be missed dearly by me and by many others. I will always remember all the wonderfull times i spent at your home and the incredible meals you made for us. you were such a wonderful woman and mother and everyone that came in contact with you was greatly touched by your kindness. for certain you are getting into heaven so please put in a good word for me. God bless you
ON: Oct 5, 2011, 2:46PM
renee dalessio
FROM: new jersey
WROTE: we love you nonna!! <3 miss you so much already <3
ON: Oct 5, 2011, 12:16PM
George Smutko
FROM: Bridgewater, New Jersey
WROTE: I want to send my condolences to the Cicchino Family. Maria was one great lady who always made you feel like a member of the family.God Bless Her,she will be missed by everyone
ON: Oct 4, 2011, 1:04PM
Leslie A. Cruz
FROM: Puerto Rico
WROTE: We will miss you very much. But we know God has you in his arms blessing you all eternity. Love from your granddaughter Leslie and great-granddaughters Leylanie and Leyla.
ON: Oct 2, 2011, 3:40PM
Donna Herbst
FROM: Pennsylvania
WROTE: I am truly sorry for the Cicchino family in the loss of their mother. What a beautiful tribute you gave her.
ON: Oct 2, 2011, 8:20AM
hugo pinedo
FROM: nj
WROTE: we miss you maria
ON: Oct 2, 2011, 8:17AM
bill king
FROM: nj
WROTE: miss you and love you maria
ON: Oct 2, 2011, 8:17AM
Valerie King
FROM: nj
WROTE: We miss you maria...
ON: Oct 2, 2011, 8:16AM
Lisa D'alessio
FROM: nj
WROTE: we love and miss you maria
ON: Oct 1, 2011, 5:35PM
Dean Douglas Stephenson
FROM: Toms River, NJ
WROTE: Mrs. Cicchino...I have fond memories of you. You were always very kind to me and my son when we came to visit your wonderful home throughout the many years I have been friends with your son Robert. You will be missed by everyone who knew you. I know GOD has a special place for you. May you Rest In Peace.
ON: Oct 1, 2011, 4:59PM
Norman Vazquez
FROM: New Jersey
WROTE: A beuatiful woman. A big space in my heart for you. You always welcomed me into your home, you always made me a great cup of coffee. From the bottom of my heart, may you rest in peace.
ON: Sep 30, 2011, 7:56PM
Christine Franco
FROM: Park Ridge, New Jersey
WROTE: Mrs. Cicchino was a wonderful person who always made me feel welcome in her home. She is loved and missed by her family and friends, but has also managed to touch my life as well. Rest in peace and thank you.
ON: Sep 28, 2011, 9:22PM
thomas simandy
FROM: perth amboy nj
WROTE: Mrs Cicchino...You were a sweet wonderful woman. You were a great wife and wonderful mother and raised four wonderful children whom I'm proud to call my friends. You will be terribly missed by all......
ON: Sep 28, 2011, 8:53PM
Anthony Cicchino
FROM: Tucson, Arizona
WROTE: Dear Nona,
You shall be thoroughly missed. You were a beautiful woman, inside and out. It means the world to me that you came all the way to Yuma to see me graduate, and words cannot express how thankful I am that you did so. It was great having you in Yuma, and I only wish you could visit again. You were the most generous person I have ever met (and probably ever will meet) and I am wonderfully proud to be able to call you my family, eternally. I am learning Italian in college right now, and I shall devote my Italian studies to the memory of you. Love you and miss you! Rest in peace.
Love, your grandson,
Anthony
ON: Sep 28, 2011, 11:55AM
Vincent Schultz
FROM: Yuma, AZ
WROTE: I'm very glad I had a chance to meet you. Rest in Peace.
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