Anne E Muller

Anne Elizabeth Muller, born Anna Elizabeth Lapitino, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2025 at 103 years of age. Anne lived a long and productive life, leaving a century-long history of love and devotion to her family. Anne was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Fanny Lapitino, and by her loving husband of 56 years, Gilbert James Muller. She is survived by her children, Gilbert (Vicki), Robert (Maria), Elizabeth (Lenny), David (Pamela RIP), Michael (Melva) and Patricia (Ken), 11 grandchildren (Jessica, Jason, Jana, Lee, Melissa, Lauren, Michael, Vianna, Priscilla, Tina and Michele) and 24 great grandchildren. Anna was the youngest child of Joseph and Fanny Lapitino and grew up in a three-family home in Greenwich Village in Manhattan. Joseph had had nine children prior to the passing of his first wife. Joseph (born Giuseppe) eventually married Fanny (born Fanizia Lauria) and they had two children, Alfred (Freddie) and Anna. Joseph was 73 years of age when Anna was born. Anne was predeceased by all of her half-siblings. She was also predeceased by her brother Freddie and his loving wife, Jean. She is survived by their children, Alfred Jr., Judy (Robert), Michael, Robin (Rick) and Adam. Anne Lapitino met Gil Muller on a very rainy day in April 1942 when, drenched head to foot, she walked into the downtown Manhattan office of Charles Pfizer & Sons to apply for a job. She got the job and eventually she and Gil started to date. Gil was drafted into the military and joined the Marines, but he kept up a constant correspondence with Anne Lapitino (who he lovingly referred to as Annie). Annie was very much on Gil’s mind and he knew that she was the girl for him, but convincing her of that was something else. Gil didn’t remember exactly when it happened, but Annie finally said “Yes”. Annie and Gil were married on Saturday morning, April 22, 1944 at St. Anthony’s Church on Sullivan Street in New York City. Joseph, then in his nineties, walked Anna down the aisle. It was a wedding mass and in those days you were forbidden to receive communion if you had eaten or drank anything other than water past midnight. Annie and Gil were both hungry and tired as they knelt before the altar. The altar boys gave them water but that only made them laugh. They desperately tried to suppress their giggles and laughter and made it through the ceremony. Gil was still serving in the military, so Annie followed him to North Carolina where he was based. The young couple moved back to New York City after Gil’s honorable discharge from the Marines. They started their family and eventually moved to Cresskill, New Jersey where Anne resided for more than 70 years. Mom loved to cook, serving up heaping portions of love and great Italian dinners well into her nineties. She may have been small in stature, but she had tremendous energy. Her Sunday and holiday dinners were delicious and somehow she made it look easy. Her kitchen always smelled of something good, and that’s where the family always seemed to congregate until Mom, lovingly but firmly, threw everyone out of her kitchen so she could finish preparing dinner. Mom dedicated and devoted her whole life to her family. She cherished all family gatherings and celebrations. She adored and was so proud of her grandchildren and always looked forward to seeing them. She was a faithful parishioner of St. Therese in Cresskill for more than 70 years and truly loved her church. She lived her life gracefully and always counted her blessings. She made a loving home for her family and supported her husband and children through all the ups and downs of life. Mom will be missed terribly, but we who loved her so much are consoled by knowing that she is at peace basking in God’s love and reunited with the love of her life, Gil. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Therese of Lisieux Church in Cresskill or to The Center for Comprehensive Heart Failure Care, 140 East Ridgewood Avenue, Paramus, NJ 07652.

Anne E Muller

May 1, 1922 - September 13, 2025