Leslie M. Derelitto

Leslie M. Derelitto, 78, of Clifton, NJ, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2025, in Hackensack. Born on January 1, 1947, in Orange, NJ, Leslie was raised in Lincoln Park and proudly graduated from Boonton High School, Class of 1965. She made Clifton her home for more than fifty years, building a life filled with devotion, humor, and deep love for those around her.

Leslie shared nearly 45 wonderful years of marriage with her soulmate, Frank Derelitto, who preceded her in passing in 2013. Their bond was a testament to loyalty and unwavering affection. For more than three decades, Leslie lovingly served as Frank’s home hemodialysis caregiver, embodying strength, compassion, and steadfast dedication.

She was the beloved mother of Kim and her husband, Larry DeRose, and her son Joe, as well as the cherished “mom” to her devoted fur baby, Zoey Jane. She is also survived by her loving sister-in-law Carolyn and her husband Marty DeFranco of Wayne, along with many friends and extended family who will forever treasure her memory.

Leslie will be fondly remembered for her sharp wit, warm heart, and her gift for making others feel cared for. She had a lifelong love of nature and animals, and her home was always graced by the presence of beloved pets. She took great joy in shopping—especially discovering the latest styles on her favorite online shops, QVC and Amazon—and delighted in sharing little surprises and thoughtful gestures with the people she loved.

To know Leslie was to know kindness, loyalty, and a fierce love for family. Her absence leaves a profound void, but her spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Marrocco Memorial Chapel, 470 Colfax Avenue, Clifton, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any animal rescue or organization of your choice, honoring Leslie’s lifelong devotion to animals.