Kelly Lawrence

Born and raised in Verona, NJ, Kelly Lawrence, 46, was a beloved member of her community, where she continued to live and raise her family. She passed away on Saturday, January 25, 2025, surrounded by love, leaving a legacy of dedication, kindness, and an indomitable spirit.

A proud graduate of Verona High School’s Class of 1996, Kelly went on to Rutgers University School of Engineering before earning her B.A. in Mathematics from William Paterson University. A quintessential hometown girl, Kelly worked for the Township of Verona in various capacities throughout her life. From lifeguarding at the Verona Pool during high school, to working at the summer camps and in the Recreation Department while in college, and later as a technical assistant in the Building Department, Kelly was a friendly and familiar face who was loved by her colleagues and cherished by the community.

Kelly’s greatest joy and focus in life was her family. A devoted mother, she gave her heart and soul to her children, Charles Patrick Molinaro and Francesca Isabella Molinaro. She was deeply involved in their lives and activities, serving as a coach for Verona Eagles Cheerleading and as a class mom at F.N. Brown School. Her energy, encouragement, and dedication touched countless lives.

Kelly was predeceased by her grandparents, Patrick M. and Angelina Mellilo, Marion Lawrence, and Harold Lawrence; her uncle, Gerald Ralph Mellilo; and her cousin, Katherine Patricia Fielden.

She is survived by her beloved children, Charles Patrick Molinaro and Francesca Isabella Molinaro; her devoted parents, Michael and Mickey (née Mellilo) Lawrence; her brother, Michael Patrick Lawrence; her uncles, Patrick M. Mellilo, Jr. (Linda), Robert Mellilo, and Matthew Lawrence; her aunts, Georgeanne Fielden and Maryellen Lawrence; and her cousins, Sarah Smith (Brian) and their daughter Aspen, Abigail Marshall (Chris) and their daughters Harper and Elliana, Patrick Mellilo, III, Nicole Mellilo, Matthew Lawrence (Tracey), Timothy Lawrence (Maureen) and their sons Griffin, Declan and Jordan, Claire Herman (Keith) and their son Chase; her Great Aunt Doris Wassen; her extended cousins, Jeanne Leary (Rich), Christopher Conradi, Linda Rich, Valerie (Pete) Duffy, Keith Lawrence (Tina), Maureen Farquar, Karen Bucca (Gary), Sharon Durbin, Bob Wassen, Cathy Lahne, Jim Wassen, and Debbie Ricketts. Kelly leaves behind her nephews Jace and Wyatt Keena-Molinaro and their parents Staci and Jason; her children’s father, Charles Molinaro, Jr. and his parents Charles, Sr. and Janice Molinaro. Kelly also leaves behind a wide circle of extended family, cherished friends and colleagues, especially Pam Priscoe, Nicole Duda, Kristin Spatola, Tom Jacobsen and Sal Trippi.

Visiting hours will be held at the Church of the Holy Spirit in Verona on Saturday, February 1, 2025 from 1 to 3 PM, with a service to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Verona Rescue Squad, 12 Church Street, Verona, NJ 07044 or the GoFundMe established to benefit her family.

Condolences and memories may be shared on her Remember Page at proutfuneralhome.com.