Diana Palumbo Death, Obituary – Diana Frances Palumbo of Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, passed away on Monday, November 2, 2026, at the age of 42. A devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, Diana will be remembered for her warmth, honesty, generosity, and the joy she brought to the people around her.
Born on Long Island to Charles and Linda Zittel, Diana moved with her family to Glen Rock before they settled in Ho-Ho-Kus, where she grew up alongside her brother, Adam. From childhood, she stood out as a gifted athlete.
She played fullback for the Wyckoff Torpedoes and earned a place on the Northern Highlands High School varsity soccer team as a freshman. Outside soccer season, she ran track.
After high school, Diana spent time in Belmar, where she met John Palumbo. Their shared affection for the Jersey Shore became part of a love story that grew over the years. While they were dating, Diana returned to school to pursue nursing. She earned a Bachelor of Science in nursing with honors from Seton Hall University.
Diana and John married on October 7, 2012, celebrating with family and friends at The Grove. Together, they built a family and welcomed three sons: Luca in 2014, Matteo in 2015, and Nico in 2018.
Diana made their Franklin Lakes home a place of love, understanding, beauty, and happiness. She was a constant source of encouragement for her boys, helping with school projects and cheering them on at their games.
Soccer remained close to her heart, and she inspired all three sons to take up the sport. Like their mother, each developed a talent for playing defense.
Her care extended beyond her family. Diana had a deep affection for animals and welcomed pets in need into her home, including Nova, a rescued pit bull, and Brady, a cat, along with other animals over the years.
Diana had a rare gift for bringing people together. She was often the life of the party, happiest among friends, enjoying good music and a spirited game of beer pong. Her favorite artists included Justin Timberlake, NSYNC, and Rihanna songs that became part of the soundtrack to gatherings and memories shared with those she loved.
The beach was another enduring source of happiness. Diana treasured time at the family’s home in Brielle and loved traveling with her family whenever they could. The Caribbean held a special place in her heart, particularly Aruba, Saint Lucia, and Saint Maarten.
Those who knew Diana remember a woman who was endlessly supportive, thoughtful, honest, and loving. She fiercely protected the people she cared about and was generous even to strangers, always ready to help someone in need. Her bright spirit and wholehearted way of loving made a lasting impression.
Diana was predeceased by her father-in-law, Giuseppe Palumbo; uncles Richard Cancilla and Giovanni Domicoli; grandparents Frances and Pasquale J. Carbone; and grandparents Charles Joseph and Evelyn Zittel.
She is survived by her parents, Charles and Linda Zittel; her husband, John Palumbo; her sons, Luca, Matteo, and Nico Palumbo; her brother, Adam Zittel, and his wife, Jessica; her sister-in-law, Nancy Hennen; her aunt, Patricia Cancilla; her mother-in-law, Rosaria Palumbo; her niece, Alessia Zittel; and her nephews, Tristan Zittel, Peter Hennen, and Michael Hennen.
Diana’s life was defined by the love she gave—to her family, her friends, and the animals she cared for. Though she will be deeply missed, her warmth, laughter, and generous spirit will live on in the many people fortunate enough to have known her.
