Justine Jeanette Crismale

Justine Jeanette (Uva) Crismale, 70, passed away peacefully at home in North Arlington, NJ on Sunday, September 27, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born to Vitantonio and AngelaMaria Uva, Justine grew up in Hoboken, NJ before moving to Secaucus. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Peter’s College in Jersey City. After marrying her husband, Mauro, the couple made their home in Weehawken, NJ, before moving to North Arlington in 1982, where they raised their three daughters and built a life together centered around family.

Justine was predeceased by her parents, Vitantonio and AngelaMaria Uva. She is survived by her loving husband of 48 years, Mauro. Also surviving are her daughters, Melissa Pappagallo and her husband Nicholas, Catina Crismale-Gann and her husband David, and Jaclyn Crismale. She is also survived by her cherished granddaughters, Seraphina, Luciana, and Giada; her sister, Diana Uva; her brother, Anthony Uva and his wife, Marina, along with her extended family and many dear friends.

Justine dedicated much of her life to education. An elementary school teacher, she retired from the North Arlington Public School District after 21 years of service. She was awarded Teacher of the Year for the 2019 - 2020 school year. Teaching was more than a career for Justine - it was a place where her personality could shine. She often told her students that she was “the Queen” and went to work each day wearing what she called her “invisible crown”.

Justine was an exceptional cook, although asking her for a recipe was rarely helpful. She cooked by instinct rather than measurements, somehow knowing exactly how much of everything belonged in a dish. Cooking was one of the many ways she cared for her family and some of the best memories her husband, daughters, and granddaughters will carry with them are of the meals she made and the traditions she created for them.

Justine loved shopping, the beach, and traveling whenever she had the opportunity. Time spent with family and friends was most important to her. Saturday night dinners with her close friends held a particularly special place in her heart.

Justine loved a little glamour. Leopard print was always appropriate, sparkle was never reserved only for special occasions, and she seemed to have the perfect piece of jewelry to make any outfit shine. Whether she was wearing her favorite jewelry or her invisible crown, Justine carried a little bit of sparkle wherever she went.

In January 2024, Justine received the extraordinary gift of life through two liver transplants. Those gifts gave her additional time with the family she loved so deeply - time that will forever be treasured by those who were fortunate enough to share it with her.

Justine will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, and nonna, a beloved sister and friend, a dedicated teacher, a wonderful cook, and a woman whose unmistakable personality left an impression wherever she went. Her family will carry forward the traditions she created, the lessons she taught, the laughter she brought to their lives, and, of course, a little bit of her sparkle.

The Queen may have taken off her invisible crown, but the love she gave and the life she created will remain with those who loved her forever.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Justine’s memory to the Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center