Carmen Milagros Manto

Carmen Milagros Manto, 75, of Cranford, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 3rd. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.

Born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico to the late Juan Almodovar and Rosario Rivera Sosa, Carmen lived most of her life in New York City where she was a paraprofessional for PS 152. There she raised her three children, Elizabeth Marty-Dalli, Nelson Marty, and Maria Van Teeckelenburgh before retiring to New Jersey.

One of Carmen's greatest joys was bowling, which she did multiple times a week with her beloved husband, Umberto Manto. She was fiercely protective over her family and her granddaughters, especially. Carmen's quick wit and sass made her stand out in a crowd and her funny remarks will be missed by all who knew her. When she was not taking care of the people in her life, she focused her time on taking care of animals. Carmen could often be found rescuing a dog or sheltering/feeding a neighbor's outside cat.

Carmen is survived by her mother Rosario Rivera Sosa, husband Umberto Manto, children Elizabeth Marty-Dalli, Nelson Marty, and Maria Van Teeckelenburgh, and grandchildren Alexandra Dalli, Samantha Dalli, Victoria Dalli, Jordan Dillon, Ellie Dillon, and Kaia Van Teeckelenburgh. She also leaves behind a brother, Robert Almodovar and numerous nieces and nephews.

Above all, Carmen will be greatly missed by her family and friends. We ask that, when you are able, you bowl a game in her memory (she probably would've beat you) and watch a cheesy rom-com with her in mind.

There will not be a traditional memorial service at this time due to current circumstances however, there will be a Celebration of Life Memorial in the future. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent in Carmen's name to 409 S. Union Ave. Cranford, NJ 07016. Any funds received will be used to assist in financing the memorial service.