Diane Carretta

Diane Arden Denecke Carretta, 79, of Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on June 3, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on August 3, 1946, in Hackensack, New Jersey, Diane was the cherished daughter of the late Frederick and Helen Denecke. She grew up in Wood-Ridge, graduating from Wood-Ridge High School with the Class of 1964, where she proudly served as a cheerleader and was crowned Homecoming Queen. Diane dedicated her life to her family, finding her greatest joy and deepest purpose in being a devoted and loving mother. She and her former spouse, Joseph Carretta, raised their three sons with love and mutual respect.

Diane brought energy and warmth to everything she did. An avid bowler, she loved the fun and friendly competition of the lanes, and she was always ready for a game of cards with family and friends. She found great peace outdoors, spending countless quiet hours nurturing her garden and enjoying nature. Above all, Diane loved the water; whether she was enjoying the familiar shores of Long Beach Island or vacationing under the sun in Aruba, the beach was truly her happy place.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Frederick and Helen Denecke.

Diane’s legacy lives on through her devoted family. She is survived by her loving sons: Nicholas and Lauren, Anthony and his wife Elisa, and Joseph and his wife Shannon. She was the proud and adoring grandmother of Henry, Owen, Joseph, and Lucille. She also leaves behind her brother, Frederick; her sister, Barbara; and her niece, Louise, along with many dear friends who will miss her warmth and bright spirit.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during the visitation on Monday, June 22, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home, 257 Godwin Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ 07481.

A Funeral Mass celebrating Diane's life will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, June 23, at the Church of the Most Blessed Sacrament, 787 Franklin Lake Road, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Diane’s memory to the Susan Lucianna Memorial Foundation at https://susanlucianna.org/