Jennie (Jean) M. Altopiedi

Jennie (Jean) Altopiedi, a cherished matriarch, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2025 at the age of 95. She was born June 3,1930 and lived at 15th and Dickinson in South Philadelphia. Jean was the fourth child of Pantaleone and Theresa (Aiello) Martelli. On New Year’s Eve 1954, she met her beloved husband, Alfred.  The leopard dress that Jean was wearing that night caught his eye and they started dating! They married on September 10,1955 and they were together for 68 years. Their marriage was blessed with the births of their children: Deborah (Michael McGlone), Alfred V. (Deborah), Theresa (John Quinn), Judith (Tom Martin), David, Yvonne (Pete Hamill). Adding family joy and making her a loving Grandmom and Great-Mom are her 14 grandchildren, Tommy Q (Shannon), Peter (Lindsey) , Tommy M., Vincent (Dana), Christine (Jeff), Brittany (Kirill), Tyler (Margot), Angela (Jake), Eileen (Bryant), Timothy (Kristen), Lauren (Joe), A. Vincent, Nicholas ( Amanda) and Christopher (Kourtney) and her 12 great- grandchildren, Brooklyn, Tommy, Cal, Connor, Brenna, Jason, Darcy, Malia, Liam, George, Landon and Kai. Jean is also survived by her dear sister, Angela Mangano, nieces, nephews and extended family members. Jean was predeceased by her husband Alfred, her brothers Frank (Rosemarie), Joseph (Lorraine), Edward (Josephine), Anthony (Helene), and her brother-in-law Anthony Mangano.

After graduating from the South Philadelphia High School for Girls, Jean worked in a pharmacy, an insurance company and, later, in banking. Jean’s most important vocation, however, was that of homemaker. Jean will long be remembered for her devotion to her husband and family. She was a fabulous cook and baker. After school, her children came home to snacks of biscotti and other Italian pastries. Italian cream cakes and strawberry shortcakes were birthday staples. Jean was very willing to teach her children how to bake and was not shy about sharing recipes with family and friends. She loved Christmas and its traditions, especially the Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve. Jean always encouraged her children to follow their dreams and reach their full potential.

Jean and Al enjoyed beautiful trips to the Caribbean, Italy, Alaska, and Hawaii. In addition, family vacations in Wildwood Crest have given wonderful memories to everyone.

Relatives and friends are invited to a Visitation at St. Laurence Church, 8245 West Chester Pike, Upper Darby, PA 19082 Monday, August 4, from 9:30-10:45 A.M. followed by her funeral mass at 11:00 A.M.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Laurence Church.