Ilene R. (Costello) Lusch

On Saturday, February 22, 2025, Ilene R. Lusch, (nee Costello), sister, aunt, great-aunt and friend, passed away from a long term illness, at 80 years young, while surrounded by her family.

Born and raised in Jersey City, NJ, Ilene moved to Kearny in 1987.  Ilene was known for being fiercely protective of her family.  She was an avid traveler to Disney World and cried each time she hugged Mickey Mouse.  She enjoyed shopping, camping, gardening, puzzles, crafting, and coloring.  Her generous heart touched many.  Enjoying the magic of Christmas, through a child’s eyes, gave her the most joy.  She affected the lives of many.  Her display of fortitude, strength, courage, perseverance and unwavering independence allowed Ilene to leave behind a strong family that will honor and cherish her legacy. 

Mrs. Lusch worked as a Procurement officer for the Jersey City Water Dept and later United Water, for forty-seven years, before retiring in 2013.    

Ilene is survived by her sisters, Laraine VanKampen and her husband, Edward, Suean Romano and her husband, John, Sr.  Nieces and nephews, Janeen Collins and her husband Jonathan, John Romano, Jr. and Anell Olivares. Anthony Romano, Alyssa Jones and her husband Alex.  Great-nieces and nephews, Thomas Collins and Nikki Megaro, Olivia Romano, Gabriel, Kayleigh and “on the way” Baby Jones. Ilene was the lifelong friend to Kathy, along with her husband Richie Muller, formerly of Jersey City, NJ.

She was predeceased by her husband, Corneilus Lusch and her parents, William J. Costello and Rosalie Benner (nee Plunkett).

Relatives and friends are invited to visit at the Thiele-Reid Family Funeral home, 585 Belgrove Drive, Kearny on Tuesday, February 25 from 4 to 8 p.m.  The funeral service will begin in the funeral home on Wednesday morning beginning at 11:15 a.m.  Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, http://stjude.org to the American Cancer Society, http://donate.cancer.org or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. http://jdrf.org

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ilene R. (Costello) Lusch, please visit our floral store.