Obituary: Esther Luccarelli-Lastella, 81: Owner of Raritan Italian Kitchen in Hazlet and Lastella's in Matawan; Lifelong Holmdel Resident

Esther Luccarelli-Lastella, 81, died peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on November 6, 2014.

Esther was born to Lucia and Francis Luccarelli on August 13, 1933 in Holmdel. She attended Keyport High School in 1948. She married and remained a resident of Holmdel for most of her life, where she live with her husband Pasquale and their three children. Together, they owned Raritan Italian Kitchen in Hazlet and Lastella’s in Matawan. She was a talented chef and an avid gardener.

Surviving are her husband, Pasquale Lastella; son, Patrick Lastella; two daughters, Mary Ellen and Jeannie Lastella; three sisters, Antoinette Van Pelt, Frances Foti and Mary Hern; grandchildren, Danielle and Kayla Lastella and Gina Teschke.

Visitation will be held Sunday, November 9, 2014, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, located at 115 Tindall Road, Middletown. A Funeral Liturgy will be offered Monday, November 10, 2014 at 10 a.m. at St. Agnes’ RC Church, located at 103 Center Avenue, Atlantic Highlands. Burial will follow at Fair View Cemetery, Middletown.

For more information, to send condolences or for directions, please visit www.pflegerfh.com.