Obituary of Lee Scarfone

Lee Scarfone
April 26, 1941 – January 7, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Lee Scarfone, 83, of Berkeley Heights, New Jersey, on January 7, 2025. Born on April 26, 1941, in Newark, New Jersey, to the late Carmine and Victoria Scarfone, Lee’s life was a testament to faith, family, and hard work.

Lee grew up in Newark, where he developed a strong work ethic and an appreciation for dedication and perseverance—qualities that defined his life. Over the years, he held a variety of jobs, always striving to provide for his family while exploring his interests and honing his talents.

For many years, Lee owned and operated Letterio's Country Gardens, a flower shop based first in Stirling and later in Basking Ridge. His career was marked by dedication and creativity, culminating in the honor of providing floral arrangements for Pope John Paul II’s visit to Giants Stadium—a moment that reflected his deep Catholic faith and passion for his craft.

A longtime resident of Berkeley Heights, Lee was an active and devoted member of the Church of the Little Flower for over 40 years. His spiritual journey was further enriched through his involvement in the People of Hope Community, where he and his wife, Lynne, built many cherished relationships. In retirement, Lee and Lynne founded Growing in Holiness Ministries, dedicated to healing the brokenhearted and fostering spiritual growth.

Beyond his professional and spiritual endeavors, Lee cherished time with his family and embraced a variety of hobbies. He had a lifelong passion for model train sets, gardening, and fishing, often organizing family camping and fishing trips that created treasured memories for his children and grandchildren.

Lee is survived by his devoted wife, Lynne, and eight children: Mark and his wife, Nhatzmhine; Mary Lynne and her husband, Daniel; Paul and his wife, Taryn; Kateri and her husband, Michael; Raphael and his wife, Shannon; Letterio and his wife, Julie; Joseph and his wife, Allyson; and Francesco and his wife, Catalina. He was the proud grandfather of 26 grandchildren. Lee was predeceased by his two sons, Lee Joseph and Michael, and his siblings, Sister Frances, Margaret, and Carmine.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during the visitation on Sunday, January 12, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Higgins Home for Funerals, located at 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, January 13, at 12:00 PM at the Church of the Little Flower in Berkeley Heights, followed by interment at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Butler, New Jersey.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Lee’s memory to Koinonia Academy, 1040 Plainfield Ave., Plainfield, NJ 07060, To inspire courageous lives of personal holiness, virtue, and wisdom through authentic Catholic education.