Raffaele Albanese, 92, of Newark, New Jersey, passed away on January 25, 2024. He was born in Ariano Irpino, Italy, where lived for a quarter of his life. There, he served in the Italian military. He decided to build a future in America, and in 1956 moved to Newark with his wife, Clelia. There, he worked as a factory foreman and helped build the Italian American community in Newark. Throughout his years, he spent his days working in the factory, taking his son and his friends to football practice, and was part of a bowling team. His favorite hobby was to spend time with his friends in the Italian American club, drinking coffee, playing cards and building relationships with others in his community. Raffaele's prominence in Newark made him an unforgettable person, as his greatest strength was making friends everywhere he went.

In the final years of his life, he moved to Hillsborough for his care, where he passed away. Raffaele was the son of the late Carmine and Maria (Mariano) Albanese, where his father was also a war veteran.

Visitors will be received at The Mother Cabrini Chapel at Holy Family Church Nutley on Thursday February 1, 2024, from 10-11am.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 AM followed by entombment at Glendale Cemetery, Bloomfield.

Raffaele is survived by his brother, Anthony Albanese and his wife Libera, and family. His son, Carmine Albanese and his wife, Sophia. His daughter, Angela Briante and her husband, Louis. His grandchildren, Nicholas and girlfriend Navita, and Katerina and her husband Konstantinos Linardos. Raffaele is also survived by multiple loving nieces and nephews.