Grace Marie Baiano

Grace Marie Baiano (nee-Manfredi), 89. Died peacefully at her home with her children by her side, after a brief illness. Born in Bronx N.Y., at the age of 9 she moved to the Jersey Shore and became a life-long resident. She was a proud graduate of Red Bank Catholic High School, and still enjoys friendships from those days. After graduation, she worked at a bank as a teller then bookkeeper. She was a member of the local CYACS (Catholic Young Adults Club). While performing in a musical with the group, she met and married her beloved husband, Giustino Baiano (Gus) in 1960. They became the parents of Michael, Diane, David and Richard Baiano. They were blessed with 47 years together, until Gus’ passing in 2007. It was the ultimate joy of Grace’s life to be a mother. One of her favorite phrases was “When you know that your mother loves you and you belong, that is the greatest gift in life.” She strived to live by that, and even “mothered” others with her gentle guiding spirit, whether they were related by blood or marriage, or not. Grace was a devout Catholic and was the president of the Rosary Alter Society of St. Jerome’s in West Long Branch. Later, she sang in the choir there and at St. Michaels in Long Branch, where she proudly taught CCD for 20 years. When her youngest child went to high school, she re-entered the working world where she worked for the government as a civilian in procurement. Her most fulfilling role in life though, was mother and homemaker. Grace also loved playing Bocce ball, and was at times, captain of her community team. It was there that she met the second love of her life, Frank Randazzo. At the age of 74, she married Frank, and they enjoyed an 11-year marriage until his passing in 2021. She considered his grandchildren as her own and enjoyed watching them grow up. Grace is predeceased by her parents Rose and Anthony Manfredi. She is survived by her siblings Rosetta and Ed Ens of Florida, Anthony Manfredi and Barbara Shuffrin of Little Silver, and Diane Manfredi and Greg Campi of Little Silver, NJ. Also survived by beloved nephew Thomas Manfredi of Long Branch. Survived by cousins too numerous to name, although they remained dear to her heart. Also predeceased by Gus Baiano, she is the last survivor of their generation of the Baiano family of Asbury Park, NJ. She had the pleasure of living to see the canonization of Gus’ beloved uncle; St. Giustino Marie Russolillo by the Pope in May 2021. Grace is survived by her loving children, Michael and Patty Baiano of Toms River, NJ; David and Debbie Baiano of Monroe Township, NJ, Diane Baiano of Wakefield, MA, and Richard Baiano and Craig Tevolitz of Boston, MA, and by her granddaughter Ariel Baiano of Toms River, NJ. Also, by many beloved nieces, nephews and grand - nieces and nephews. Also predeceased by Frank Randazzo, she is survived by his children and grandchildren. For those who had the pleasure of visiting her at her home over the years, she will be remembered for her long waves goodbye at the doorstep until your car was no longer in sight. She had great “joi de vivre” and will be missed.

Grace Marie Baiano

May 22, 1935 - July 1, 2024