Obituary of Marie L. Platanella

Marie L. Platanella passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, January 7, 2014 surrounded by her family, after a long time battle with cancer. She was born in Vineland on July 28, 1931 to Ernest and Florence (Moffa) Scarpa. After graduating from Vineland High School in 1949, Marie worked as a secretary for Vineland City Hall. She was also crowned Miss Vineland in 1950. She married John Platanella in 1954 and moved to Mays Landing and started a family. During the late 1950's and early 60's they owned and operated the Copa Barbeque Restaurant. Marie was very active in St. Vincent de Paul Church and School in Mays Landing where she sang in the choir and volunteered her time. Later, she and her husband John were co-owners in the Chalet Lounge where Marie cooked all the food home-made. She also worked at the Atlantic County Clerk's Office from 1987 to 2003 where she made many friends. She loved her family and enjoyed cooking for them and entertaining. She also loved music and was known to entertain others with her beautiful voice. Marie was a member of the Italian Cultural Foundation and Padre Pio Parish. She is preceded in death by her husband John. Marie is survived by her son John, Jr., her daughter Donna (Platanella) Baruffi, son-in-law Dominick Baruffi, II, brother Joseph Scarpa of Singer Island, Florida and grandchildren Dominick III, Dante and Daria. The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Heartland Hospice and the compassionate aides from Visiting Angels. Funeral services will be held on Friday at 6:30pm at the DeMarco-Luisi Funeral Home, 2755 S. Lincoln Ave., Vineland. Burial will be private for the family. Family and friends will be received on Friday at the funeral home from 3pm to 7pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Padre Pio Parish-offering for the poor, 4680 Dante Ave., Vineland, NJ 08361.