In Loving Memory of Diane De Bellis

June 3, 1958 – July 2, 2025

Diane L DeBellis, age 67, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2025, after a long, courageous battle with cancer. She faced her illness with strength, grace, and an unwavering spirit that inspired all who loved her.

Born on June 3, 1958 in Montclair, New Jersey, Diane was the beloved daughter of the late Vincent and Palma DeBellis. She graduated from Nutley High School in the Class of 1976 and pursued further education at Montclair State University, Parsons Institute of Fashion and Design and the Institute of Integrated Nutrition.

Diane built an extraordinary career as a fit fashion model, helping major designers bring their visions to life through her keen eye for detail and dedication to perfecting the fit. She was featured on the international designer Mudd Jeans tag, a proud symbol of her talent and physique.

Diane is survived by her loving husband, Vincent Tabano, who truly lived out the vow "in sickness and in health" with unwavering devotion. She cherished the love she shared with her husband and best friend, Vincent. Their bond was one of unwavering support and shared joy. They both often felt lucky how they got the chance to walk through life with each other by their sides.

Diane shared a profoundly close bond with her sisters, Donna De Bellis and "Mary Belle" De Bellis. Their connection was rooted in deep love, constant support and shared joy. Together, they exemplified sisterhood in its purest form. Their closeness was a beautiful reflection of the values their parents instilled and the love they nurtured throughout their lives.

She is also lovingly remembered by her brother-in-law Joseph Russo; her beautiful niece Vienna Monroe Bonato and her partner Michael Tavarone; her godson and nephew Victor Bonato and his girlfriend Jaime Bock. Diane was a proud stepmother to Victoria Hadley, and son-in-law Peter Hadley. One of her greatest joys came from being “Cha-Cha” to her treasured grandsons, Vincent Anthony Hadley and Peter John Hadley, whose love brought boundless happiness to her life. To all of them, Diane was the center of warmth, fun, and wisdom- the vibrant soul, the listening ear, the creative spark, and the constant light.

During her career, she had the incredible opportunity to travel internationally for modeling, a passion that allowed her to experience the world and connect with people from all walks of life.

Above all, Diane was a dancer. Whether hustling or free styling, she moved with elegance, soul and joy. Dance was her passion and her language- and she carried that same energy into every area of her life. She was deeply committed to health and wellness, loved bike riding and embraced an active, joyful lifestyle.

Diane was known for her glamour, beauty , artistic creativity, and deep appreciation for life . She created unforgettable Halloween costumes, delighted in Delray Beach, sunsets, and was a loyal fan of The Price is Right and Wheel of Fortune. Her kindness, trustworthiness, loyalty and zest for life made her the confidante, the fun aunt, the rock and the radiant presence in every room she entered.

Feel free to wear red as we celebrate Diane’s passion for life and the love she brought to all of us.

VISITATION:

Wednesday July 9, 2025

11:00AM-12:30PM

KEDZ Funeral Home

1123 Hooper Ave

Toms River, NJ

ENTOMBMENT:

St Josephs Cemetery

62 Cedar Grove Road

Toms River, NJ

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Diane’s memory to Mary’s Place by the Sea in Ocean Grove, NJ- a nonprofit sanctuary offering rest and support to women facing cancer https://www.marysplacebythesea.org/product/wc-donation-marys-place-by-the-sea-donation-in-honor-of/