Caroline Rita Reister

Caroline Rita (Thompson) Reister, born on December 19, 1943, in East Orange, NJ, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on May 27, 2026, at her home in St. Augustine, FL. Caroline married her high school sweetheart, Ronnie, who captured her heart as a football player while she led the cheer squad. Together, they built a beautiful family and shared a love for camping that created cherished memories for all. Summers were spent at Ocean View Resort Campground and Sea Isle City Beach, and were the highlights of her year, filled with laughter, friends, and family gatherings by the beach. A woman of great spirit, Caroline was honored as the Woman of the Year at West Orange Elks, a testament to her warmth and dedication to community. She was a beloved Girl Scout Leader, Softball Coach, Cub Scout leader, and Sunday School teacher. A cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister, Caroline is survived by her daughters, Caroline Yannuzzi and her husband Carmen, Renee Wahlers and her husband Teddy, Cindy Reister and her husband Frank Salvadore. The late Ronald Reister, Jr., and his partner Debbie Dopko. Her grandchildren Christoper Yannuzzi and his wife Stephanie, Carmen Yannuzzi, Joey Yannuzzi, Alexa Yannuzzi and her fiance, Alec, John Hamilton and his wife Lexie, RJ Reister and his partner Mia, Brooke Reister and her partner Dan, and Ryan Reister. Great-grandchildren, Marlena Yannuzzi and Ocean Reister. She will also be missed by her loving sisters, Joan Panuska and Nancy Michael, as well as her sister-in-law, Diane Iandoli, and her husband, Eddy. Caroline's life will be honored and celebrated on July 19, 2026, at 11 am at United Presbyterian Church, 20 Old Indian Road, West Orange, NJ, where family and friends will gather to share their fond memories and pay their respects. Caroline was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Reister, her son Ronald Reister, Jr, her brother Henry Thompson, Jr., and her parents Henry Thompson and Caroline Thompson. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Caroline's name to United Presbyterian Church, 20 Old Indian Road, West Orange, NJ 07052, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, (https://www.stjude.org/) address: 262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN 38105 and Community Hospice of Saint johns County, FL, (https://www.communityhospice.com/) address: 200 Health Park Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32086.

Caroline Rita Reister

December 19, 1943 - May 27, 2026