Obituaries

Roselyn “Lynn” Azzolina, a devoted mother and grandmother, accomplished writer, registered nurse, and respected member of the Monmouth County community, passed away on July 2, 2026. Lynn was born Roselyn Ann Picone on May 2, 1932, and was raised in West Long Branch, New Jersey. She graduated from Long Branch High School and earned an associate degree in nursing from the Ann May School of Nursing in 1952. After becoming a registered nurse, she worked at Jersey Shore Hospital and Monmouth Medical Center, beginning a life marked by service, compassion, and care for others.

In 1955, Lynn married Joseph Azzolina of Highlands, New Jersey, whom she had met while he was serving in the U.S. Navy. Over the course of their marriage, Joseph rose to the rank of captain, founded and served as president of Food Circus Super Markets, Inc./Foodtown, and represented his community as a New Jersey State Senator and longtime member of the General Assembly. Lynn supported and shared in that remarkable journey while the couple raised their seven children in Middletown, New Jersey. Their home was grounded in family, service, hard work, and a deep commitment to their community.

Lynn became widely known throughout Monmouth County through her work with The Courier. As the newspaper’s society editor, she wrote the popular “Scene Around” column, chronicling prominent social, charitable, and community events throughout Monmouth County and across New Jersey. Her writing captured not only the occasions themselves, but also the people and organizations that helped shape the region’s civic and social life.

For more than 25 years, from 1983 through 2009, Lynn also wrote restaurant reviews for The Courier under the “Dining Guide” column. Through her knowledge of food, appreciation for hospitality, and distinctive personal style, she became a well-known and respected figure within Monmouth County’s restaurant scene. She also appeared on WJLK radio, where she spoke about local restaurants, dining, and social events.

Lynn devoted considerable time and energy to charitable and civic organizations. She served on committees, supported fundraising efforts, and attended events benefiting the American Cancer Society, March of Dimes, the Winter Glow Ball, The Arc of Monmouth, the Monmouth University Library Scholarship Ball, and the American Red Cross. She was also active in the Jersey Shore Council of the Navy League of the United States.

Creative, elegant, and endlessly curious, Lynn had a lifelong interest in design and sewing. She also loved fine dining, cooking, traveling, and attending social and charitable events. She enjoyed bringing people together and had a natural ability to make an occasion feel special. Her warmth, style, intelligence, and enthusiasm for life left a lasting impression on those who knew her.

Lynn was predeceased by her husband, Joseph Azzolina; her sons, Paul, and Mark Azzolina; her sister, Claire Picone; her parents, Emma (Nastasia) Picone and Frank Picone; and her longtime partner, Michel Serieye.

She is survived by her daughters, Judith & Mary Ann Azzolina, and Mary Ann’s husband, Paul E. Orzechowski; her sons, John Azzolina, Joseph Azzolina Jr., and Gregg Azzolina; her grandsons, Paul E. Orzechowski Jr. and Michael Azzolina and his wife, Lana; her granddaughter, Danielle Azzolina; and her great-grandsons, Ryan and Liam Azzolina. She is also survived by her brother, Frank Picone, and his wife, Stephanie.

Lynn will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her contributions to journalism and the culinary community, her commitment to charitable service, and the grace, energy, and generosity with which she lived her life.

A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Lynn’s life was held on July 9, 2026, at St. James Church in Red Bank, New Jersey. Thompson Memorial Home of Red Bank, NJ has been entrusted with the arrangements.