Jean Burke DePaul

Jean Burke DePaul

May 9, 1930 – October 31, 2025

In the comfort of her cherished Liberty Avenue home, where she spent 70 wonderful years, Jean Burke DePaul of Jersey City passed away peacefully on October 31, 2025, at the age of 95, with her loving son Philip and daughter-in-law Mary Ellen by her side.

Jean was born and raised on the same street, surrounded by family and lifelong friends. She was the devoted daughter of Helen and George, and loving older sister to Helen “Cis” and Maureen. It was on that very block that she met the love of her life, Rudolph DePaul. In those days, their romance caused quite a stir—Jean was Irish, and Rudy was Italian—but love prevailed. Rudy, smitten beyond measure, famously turned down his mother’s offer of an all-expense-paid trip to Italy to find a “proper” bride. In time, Jean won her mother-in-law’s heart by mastering the art of Italian cooking—though she always added a little Irish charm to every dish.

Jean and Rudy built a beautiful life together and were the proud parents of two sons, Philip and the late George DePaul. Their family shared countless laughs, joyful “Sunday family dinners”, and treasured memories together in Wildwood Crest, Asbury Park, and Longboat Key. Jean also took great pride in her many years working at Casa Dante, where she served as a coat check girl and made lifelong friends.

For decades, Jean and Rudy opened their hearts and homes at 45 and 47 Liberty Avenue to friends, tenants, and family alike—neighbors quickly became life long family. Those doors were never closed to anyone in need of a meal, a story, or a bit of warmth, all thanks to Jean’s boundless generosity and care. She took great pride in her role as landlord and lovingly maintained her husband’s family home with devotion and dignity until her final days.

After Rudy’s passing in 2008, Jean filled her days with travel, trips to the New York City Ballet, and precious time with her family. She was especially devoted to her son Philip and his wife Mary Ellen, and to her grandchildren—Lauren and her husband Jeremy; Jillian and her wife Lauren; and Philip and his partner Leo. Jean adored her great-grandchildren, Katie, Jack, Caroline, Connor, and Elise, with whom she shared countless laughs, traditions, and cherished memories. Her family knows how lucky they were to have had so much time with her, learning from her example of grace, humor, and unwavering devotion.

Jean was a strong, spirited, and unforgettable woman—a force to be reckoned with who taught her family the meaning of love and resilience. She truly was one of a kind, remarkable in every sense of the word. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Jean is survived by her son Philip and her daughter-in-law, Mary Ellen, who lovingly cared for her through her final years, together with her devoted full-time caregiver, Inga Margieva—an angel on earth who tended to Jean with extraordinary kindness and compassion. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who will miss her more than words can express. 

Jean is reunited in eternal peace with her beloved husband Rudy and her long-missed son George.

Funeral Services

St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church

200 Wyckoff Avenue Ramsey, NJ 07446

Thursday, November 6, 2025

Visitation: 2:30–4:00 pm

Funeral Mass: 4:00 pm, immediately following visitation

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Jean’s memory to the Performing Arts Program at Don Bosco Prep in Ramsey, NJ: www.donboscoprep.org/giving.​

Arrangements are by Riotto Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Jersey City (201)798-3100