Marlea Balsamini

Marlea Balsamini, 84, of Wayside, NJ passed away peacefully in the presence of family members on November 13th, 2025. Marlea was born in Jersey City to James R. and Arnetta Tracey. She grew up in Jersey City and graduated from Jersey City State College, where she received her B.S. in biology and her M.S. in chemistry. She had a brilliant career as a chemistry teacher at Clifton High School, and she was loved by both faculty and students. She was married to Joseph Balsamini (who preceded her), for 29 years. They resided in Wayne, NJ and later moved to Rolling Meadows in Wayside, NJ. Upon retirement, they pursued many mutual hobbies which included following hockey and football, going to the theater, reading, and, of course, traveling the world! They also spent at least 6 months at their home in Port St. Lucie, Florida. Marlea was very active in both of her communities as well as the local church. As a widow, she was fortunate to develop a loving relationship with Richard Conzo, a widower from Rolling Meadows. The two were inseparable, and enjoyed many moments together with both of their families, many friends, and at various functions within the communities. To everyone who has ever met her, Marlea was known as beautiful, kind, energetic, and elegant. A quote she once said was: “Seize the moment and stop wasting time, because you never realize how much time is wasted in idle minutes”. She lived a blessed, busy, productive life, and to this we say “well done Marlea, you will be missed but never forgotten”. Marlea was predeceased by her husband Joseph Balsamini; her parents James R. Tracey and Arnetta Tracey Schrumpf; her brothers Alan Tracey, Joseph Tracey, and James Tracey, and her sister-in-law Nanette Tracey. She is survived by her significant other Richard Conzo; her daughters Deborah Shultis, Maria Balsamini, and Jeanine Balsamini; her grandchildren Desiree, Ariana, Gregory, Matthew, and Trevor; her great-grandchildren Luca and Nathaniel; her nieces Michele Tracey and Kellyann Bisbano; her great nieces Krystina, Gabriella, and Garrett; and her great-great niece Alara. Marlea’s memorial mass will be held at 11 AM on December 13th at the Church of Saint Anselm, 1028 Wayside Rd, Tinton Falls NJ. For online condolences, please visit Marlea’s memorial page at www.bongarzonefuneralhome.com

Marlea Balsamini

February 20, 1941 - November 13, 2025