Lucy Eva Cerce Bontempi of Auburndale, MA passed away on 25 December 2024. She is the daughter of Frances (Barone) Cerce Pacific and Dominic Cerce. She grew up in Paterson, NJ with five siblings (Joseph Cerce, Louise Timmins, Mary Mitch, Franklin Cerce, and Cornelia Orland) who predeceased her. She was a cheerleader at Central High School in Paterson, NJ, and after graduating worked as an accountant at Singer/Kearfot Co. She married Robert Michael Bontempi of North Bergen, NJ on 30 April 1960, who predeceased her in 2011. Once married, they moved to Ridgewood, NJ and in 1966 to Upper Saddle River, NJ. Lucy and Bob retired to Ramsey, NJ in 1993.

She is survived and loved by three children and one grandchild: Lisa Bontempi of Auburndale, MA; Michael Bontempi and his wife, Michaela Potter of New York City, NY; and Paula Bontempi, husband Whit Saumweber and grandson Griffin Saumweber of Saunderstown, RI. She is survived by her brother-in-law, Richard Bontempi, his wife, Mary Bontempi, and niece Michelle Bontempi Stockland and family who reside in California, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins from across the world whom she loved dearly. Family was everything to Lucy.

Lucy was a voracious reader and supporter of public libraries, volunteering at the Upper Saddle River Public Library in NJ for thirty years. She volunteered her time "running" the Friends of the Library book room, and she was responsible for raising over $100,000 through donated book sales.

Mom, we will miss your stories, your laugh, your smile, your meatloaf, meatballs, and pasta sauce, and your endless support of us in every endeavor. You were at every game, every practice, and every event for all of us – rain or snow, cheering loudly. We will miss your enthusiasm for your beloved Giants, Jets, Yankees, and all the college games you could watch. Thank you for making our house a home, teaching us what family is, and for all the love.

The family wishes to thank Good Shepherd Community Care and the Miriam Boyd Parlin Residence in Wayland, MA for their support. To honor her life, donations can be made in Lucy Bontempi's name to the Friends of the Upper Saddle River Public Library https://uppersaddleriverlibrary.org/friends/