JACKSON, N.J. — Esther Punturieri, 94, of Jackson, and formerly of Forked River and Brooklyn, New York, peacefully slipped away on Friday, Aug. 25, 2017, at Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune, due to complications of pneumonia and congestive heart failure.

She was the beloved wife of the late Paul Punturieri; loving mother of three sons and daughters-in-law, Joseph and Linda Lauro Punturieri, Frank Punturieri and Carol Tufano Punturieri, and Paul and Linda Casaw Punturieri; beloved grandmother to Mike Punturieri, Steve Punturieri, Dave Punturieri Alicia Morici, Brian Punturieri, Ray and Audrey Punturieri; and dear great-grandmother of Amanda, Andrew, Leanna, Madison, Siena, JonMichael, Connor, Samantha, Elliott, and the late Michael.

Born in Westerly, Rhode Island, in October 1922, Esther made her home in Brooklyn, New York, where she eventually married and raised her family.

She was a stock clerk in Chemical Bank in New York City for many years. In 1985, she and her husband retired to Forked River, where they lived in the Pheasant Run community surrounded by many new acquaintances who became cherished friends.

Esther enjoyed bowling, traveling, needlepoint, reading the Daily News, and watching television especially old-time movies and Westerns. She loved going to Atlantic City casinos. But her passion was sports, particularly a fondness for the New York Yankees. She watched their games intently, often yelling at the TV screen, and could recite player and team stats like a pro.

She remained in her home following her husband’s death in 2000 and later moved to Bella Terra Independent Living in Jackson in 2015. There she made new friends, enjoyed outings and shopping, participated in the facilities’ activities, and was thankful to be able to maintain her independence in her own apartment.

Interment will be at Resurrection Cemetery, 361 Sharrott Ave., Staten Island, New York.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, 1 Union St., Suite 301 Robbinsville, NJ 08691-4183, or online at https://donatenow.heart.org/ in memory of Esther Punturieri.