Margaret Agnes Venito, 93, of Boonton, NJ, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on January 25, 2026, at St. Clare’s Hospital in Denville, NJ. She was born in Pittston, Pennsylvania, on September 18, 1932.

She is survived by her children, Mary Angela Lombardo and Joseph James Venito; her grandchildren, Salvatore Joseph and Gina Marie Lombardo; and her sisters-in-law, Theresa Whritenour, Virginia Dolce, and Anne DeLucca, in addition to countless nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Joseph James Venito; her parents, Joseph DeLucca and Mary "Earley" DeLucca; her stepmother, Elizabeth DeLucca; and her siblings, Helen, Mary, and Joseph DeLucca, Virginia Ciampi, and Ann Rosencrance.

Born to humble beginnings, Margaret and her siblings grew up in West Pittston, Pennsylvania, where she formed lifelong friendships and created cherished memories. She attended West Pittston High School until her junior year, moving out at 17 to begin working. She waitressed at Nardone’s Restaurant and Fox Hill Country Club before embarking on a career in the fashion industry at MK Dress Manufacturer in West Wyoming, PA. By the age of 18, she had become head of her floor, recognized as the fastest and most skilled seamstress.

It was there that she met her lifelong friend, Carmella Cupani, who later introduced her to her husband, Joseph Venito, of Boonton, NJ. After six months of dating, Margaret and Joseph became engaged and married in October of 1960. She moved to New Jersey, where they began their family and welcomed their children, Mary Angela and Joseph James II.

Margaret took a position at Peter Pan Manufacturing in New York City, where her talent and dedication quickly propelled her to the role of Head of Quality Control and Production. She later joined Rose Marie Reid, serving in a similar role for more than 25 years. Throughout her career, she traveled the globe teaching women how to sew and produce bathing suits, sharing her expertise and passion for her craft. She also worked with renowned designers Bill Blass and Halston, and even oversaw the embroidery of bathing suits for the Miss America pageant.

While maintaining her corporate career, Margaret and her husband took over family businesses, including B&V Tailoring and Cleaning and the Red Carpet Laundromat. She also opened Jeannette’s Fashions in Denville, selling women’s suits and dress wear. In her 70s, she embarked on her final entrepreneurial adventure by opening the J&M Grill in Boonton, NJ, alongside her husband Joseph.

Margaret was the perfect blend of ambition and elegance - an inspiring, hardworking entrepreneur and an impeccably well-dressed businesswoman. She was a devoted wife, a loving and generous mother, and a doting grandmother. She approached life with determination and grace and was a symbol of strength to all those around her.

She will be remembered for her love of sewing, cooking, driving her Cadillac, shopping trips, getting her hair done in Brooklyn, playing the slot machines in Atlantic City, and most of all, spending time with her family and friends. 

Visitation for Margaret will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Dangler, Lewis and Carey Funeral Home, located at 312 West Main Street, Boonton, NJ 07005.

A Funeral Service will take place on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., also at Dangler, Lewis and Carey Funeral Home. Entombment will follow at Gate of Heaven Mausoleum, 225 Ridgedale Avenue, East Hanover, NJ 07936.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Margaret’s name.