Nerina Fontanot (née Delben), age 89, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2025, in Havertown, Pennsylvania. Born on September 4, 1935, in Petrovia, Italy (current day Petrovija Croatia).

Nerina’s early years were shaped by profound change and resilience. She grew up in the small seaside town once known as Pirano, Italy—she was forced to flee her hometown during a time of great upheaval of the Istrian Exodus and post-war effects. She met her husband, Giovanni Fontanot, while living in Trieste. Shortly after becoming married and alongside her beloved husband, she left behind her parents, siblings, and everything familiar to begin anew in Philadelphia. It was a bold leap of faith made with the hope of building a better future.

Nerina's kitchen was always alive with the aromas of fresh bread baking and hearty meals of gnocchi, polentas, and soups simmering on the stove. She found joy in cooking for her family and took pride in passing down recipes that carried the flavors of her heritage of Northern Italy.

Nerina had a deep connection to nature and simple pleasures. She delighted in gardening—especially tending to her tomatoes and fig trees—and could often be found shopping at local farmers markets or fruit stands. Her love for animals was unwavering; over the years she cared for many dogs and cats who became part of her extended family.

She also enjoyed knitting and crocheting, watching Italian television programs that kept her connected to her roots, riding her three-wheeled bicycle through town, and savoring sunsets on the bay in North Cape May while watching the ferry drift across the water. Cape May held a special place in Nerina’s heart—it reminded her of the Istrian Coast she once called home—and it became a cherished retreat where she and Giovanni spent their retirement years.

She is survived by her children: son Mario Fontanot and his wife Chris Fontanot; daughter Marina Fontanot; grandchildren Haley Richter and her husband Ryan Chudd, Evan Richter, and William Fontanot; son-in-law Sam Richter and his wife Zehava Schechter-Richter; brother-in-law Salvatore Pillitteri, nephew Emanuele Pillitteri, sister-in-law Concetta Zennaro in Delben, niece Luisa Delben; sister-in-law Maria-Pia Iarz in Fontanot, nephew Luciano Iarz; and niece Diane Fontanot.

She now joins those who went before her: her beloved husband Giovanni Fontanot; son Giancarlo Fontanot; sister Gabriella Delben; brother Giuseppe Delben; nephews Bruno and Michael Fontanot; brother-in-law Emengildo Fontanot; sister-in-law Josephine Fontanot; mother Maria Delben (née Cavo); and father Giuseppe Delben.

Her memory will live on in every shared meal, every garden bloom, every sunset watched from the shore.

A memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 1PM Monday, August 18th at Our Lady Star of the Sea Roman Catholic Church 525 Washington Street Cape May NJ 08204. Private burial was held at St. Mary’s Cemetery Cape May. Please visit EvoyFuneralHome.com to share a memory of Nerina.