Mary Allegretti
January 15, 1950 - November 24, 2025
Mary Allegretti, age 75, of Middletown, DE, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Monday, November 24th, 2025.
Born on January 15, 1950 in Manhattan, NY, she was the 3rd daughter of the late Magdalena and James Spellman. Her mother Magdalena was of German descent and extremely hard working. Her father, a WWII veteran, passed away when she was 3 years old. Her mother worked tirelessly to provide for Mary and her two older sisters, Peg and Irene and lived to the ripe age of 86. Like her mother, Mary was also hard working and had a long career as a legal secretary until she retired in 2021.
When Mary was 16, she met the love of her life, Bill Allegretti, and they were married on August 20, 1968 via a small Catholic service amongst close friends and family at St. Finbar’s Church in Brooklyn, NY. Bill and Mary spent nearly 60 amazing years together until his passing earlier this year on May 19th. Their life adventures together began with a memorable honeymoon trip to Vermont, traveling on Bill’s 1968 R69S BMW Motorcycle with Mary riding pillion. They had many ‘children’ in their years together with their first ‘baby’ being a 150+ pound Saint Bernard named Hanzie. There were many more fur babies to follow – horses, dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, sheep, chickens and even a fox and skunk – as caring for, admiring, loving, and enjoying the serene company of animals brought them both great joy. The running joke was that if there was reincarnation, coming back as an Allegretti pet would be the ultimate wish, for they had the best and most spoiled life. Bill was a NYPD mounted police officer and when he retired from the police force in 1983, Mary and Bill moved from New York to Delaware. There they realized another adventure of owning a large property where they could continue to keep horses and other pets.
Their biggest and best adventure together though was raising their two daughters, Jennifer and Adrienne. Mary was an amazing mother who provided nurturing support, unconditional love and lessons of strength and perseverance. Like her mother, Mary was a devout Catholic and raised the girls as such. She also was very involved with the Girl Scouts and helping her daughters and the rest of the troop achieve their merit badges. Mary also enjoyed working with her hands. She was a gifted seamstress and would sew the girls Halloween costumes as well as their Communion dresses. Additionally, she enjoyed cross-stitch and would frame and display her work proudly.
In 2023 they started the process of downsizing and built a home in Parks Edge 55+ community and moved into their beautiful new home in July 2024. They enjoyed access to the amenities their new community offered, built new friendships with their neighbors and the broader community and enjoyed the beauty of the surrounding area. They felt extremely fortunate to have been able to make this move and build new friendships with many wonderful, caring people.
Mary is survived by her daughters, Jennifer and Adrienne and their respective partners Dario and Roman as well as her sisters, Peg and Irene. She also leaves behind many dear friends and extended family members who will miss her dearly. Her family and friends are at peace knowing that she is now reunited with the love of her life and the many pets they cared for together over the years. Mary’s legacy lives on through the lessons she taught, the love she shared, and the memories that we will cherish forever.
A celebration of life will be held privately.
Mary was extremely generous over the years, donating to many organizations. In lieu of flowers, which always made her sneeze due to her allergies, please consider a donation in her memory to the ASPCA, P.O. Box 96929. Washington, DC 20090-6929 or online by clicking here; or Humane Animal Partners, 455 Stanton Christiana Road, Newark, DE 19713 or online by clicking here.
Michael McElhinney
I have nothing but fond memories of Bill and Mary. I will always treasure the times spent with them, both at their various homes in the U.S. and here in the U.K.
I was so fortunate that a chance meeting with Bill in a precinct house back in 1979 led to such an enduring friendship.
Hard to believe they are no longer with us.
RIP Bill and Mary.
Leisha Rutkowski
I worked with Mary for many years and we became instant friends. We were also neighbors. Her girls were like my daughters until I became a mother. Bill and Mary were such wonderful, loving friends to me and my husband and daughter. We spent many weekends at their house listening to jazz music and enjoying a special meal prepared by Mary. I will forever be grateful for having the joy of knowing both her and Bill. They were truly wonderful people. I hope the girls find comfort knowing they touched to many people’s lives and they are reunited again. Rest in Peace my friend
Lisette Heredia
So sorry for your loss. May God Bless you and your family during this difficult time!
Vanina Lozzi
Amiga querida, lamento mucho la partida de tu madre, pero ella ya Descansà en paz junto a tu padre a quien tanto amó. Te abrazo con el alma, sabés cuanto te queremos. Vanina
DONNA DIMEO
we are so sorry to hear of marys passing we loved having her and bill in for dinner.
god bless her and may she rest in peace
Laura Davies
God bless you Mary, our American mother. Mary was warm and welcoming to our family, made us feel at home when we were so far away from it. She was so great to talk to and filled with wisdom and kindness. I just can’t believe you’ve gone. Sending you all so much love xxxx Love Laura, Robin, Sam and Henry xx
Sonya Protack
Jen and family,
I want to send my sincere condolences to all of you. Even though I didn’t know your mother or father personally, everything you’ve shared — and everything I’ve read — shows what truly wonderful people and parents they were. They clearly raised an amazing family.
I’m so grateful to have met you, Jen, and my heart goes out to you all during this incredibly difficult time. May God give you strength, comfort, and peace in the days ahead.
Susan Becker
Mary and I met in May of 2025 and became fast friends. We loved the cool water in our community pool. I will miss her more than words can say. Fly high my beautiful friend🥲🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷😇😇😇😇
Dave and Linda Cowgill
We knew Bill better than Mary, as she was still working. We remember the first time we met Mary, she was coming to a motorcycle event riding in a side car. We both thought that was a great way to travel. Mary was easy to like. Our last time together we met at DiMeo’s in Smyrna for lunch the last of July. She spoke of how hard it was without Bill and she was going to try to join more community activities. We will miss her charming personality. RIP Mary
Carol Wingard
Jen and Adrienne, i am keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I feel so blessed to have had Mary as a special, caring friend. Her kindness, thoughtfulness and caring ways will always be an inspiration to many. Your mother’s spirit and love will forever shine through both of you. May God’s blessings always be with you and your family.
Robert and Sara Stanich
Beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, and friend loved by all; forever in our hearts, always remembered.
Theresa Roller
I have great memories of time spent with Bill and Mary.
I loved that they were true animal lovers and we had so much to talk about.
Mary had such a kind and sweet way of being.
God bless them both as they are reunited. Hugs to Jen and Adrienne.
Irene Stanich
We have always been there for each other. Have years of happy, joyful memories. Missing you. You will be forever in my heart.
Peg Weschke
My beloved little sister. She was beautiful and always there with a laugh and a helpful hand. Irene, Mary and I were close. Our kids were the 7 dwarfs to my mom’s Snow White. We lived and we loved and she will be so missed.
Jeanette Reynolds
We extend are deepest sympathies to all the members of Mary’s family.
Ed and I met her earlier this year and had some conversations at the Clubhouse. She was wonderful to talk with and even though we only had a short friendship, we are glad we met in this life. Our friendship will continue in the next.
Edward and Jeanette Reynolds
John and Jo Ellen Azzolini
Jenn,
Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. Losing a Mother is a great loss. Your Mom and Dad will be with you in your heart and all the memories you have of them. I hope this brings you comfort and peace.
Heather Rooks
Mary was a quiet and sweet woman with a heart of gold! 💛 May she and her love rest in peace. Jenn & Adreinne may you find solace in your fond memories of the good times and always remember her at her best! Her spirit lives on thru you and
your kind spirits👼
Sue Atkins
I just saw Mary’s obituary while searching for a good friend of our family . Mary & I worked together at the law firm in Wilmington . She was also a good friend to me . So sorry for the Family loss .