Patricia A. Nesta

Patricia "Pat" Ann Nesta, a beloved mother, cherished grandmother, and great-grandmother, as well as a devout Catholic and fiercely independent community pillar, passed away peacefully, comfortably, and with dignity on July 4th, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Fittingly for a woman who loved a celebration, she died a patriot on Independence Day at the age of 92.

Born on March 23, 1934, in Newark, New Jersey, Pat eventually made her home in Flemington, where she became a cornerstone of her community. As one of the original tenants of the Herman E. Kapp building, Pat’s determination and care for her neighbors were legendary. When she saw a need for a healthier living environment, she single-handedly championed the cause—going door-to-door and making countless phone calls to secure a petition that successfully converted the Kapp building into a non-smoking facility. Pat was deeply invested in being a good neighbor delivering newspapers to the door of each tenant in her building.

Pat’s signature trademark was her vibrant collection of hats and scarves, boasting a unique piece for every single holiday and occasion. Her festive spirit extended to her neighbors; before every holiday, Pat could be found walking the halls of her building, personally delivering individual goody bags to all 60 apartments.

Her resilient optimism was famously captured during Superstorm Sandy in 2012. Temporarily displaced to the Hunterdon County public shelter for a week, Pat turned what could have been a distressing ordeal into an unexpected joy. She charmed the volunteers, made a wealth of new friends, enjoyed the community food, and played endless games. Her infectious positivity landed her on the front page of the November 2, 2012, edition of the Courier News.

For many years, she volunteered countless hours with the Stanton Holly Trail, bringing joy to others through her dedicated work at both the Candy House and the Silver Tea House. On town parade days, she could be found at her second-floor window, enthusiastically waving to the Hunterdon Central Marching Red Devils, or eagerly watching the streets below on Thanksgiving morning to cheer on her family in the annual Flemington Turkey Trot. She was also an avid bingo lover and jackpot winner at her last game hosted by the Flemington Elks.

Above all, Pat was a fun, adventurous, and deeply devoted grandmother. She was a wealth of knowledge, an exceptional listener, and a steady voice of reason.

Affectionately known to almost everyone, especially her grand kids, as “Nessie,” Pat was always willing to try anything to make her grandchildren smile—whether that meant being pulled along in a red wagon or enthusiastically climbing up onto the family John Deere tractor.

Pat was predeceased by her beloved husband, Edward J. Nesta, who passed away in 1995. Also, by parents Mary and Edmund Williams as well as brothers Thomas Williams, Ed Williams and sister Jane Williams Tingley.

Pat is survived by her sister Joan Williams Klena of Harvey Cedars, NJ and leaves behind a rich legacy of love and laughter through her children: Judith Rathborne and her husband Norman Jr., Patricia Muroski and her husband Peter, Brian Nesta and his wife Alice, Dr. Douglas Nesta and his wife Susan.

She is also survived by her nine grandchildren: Diana Rathborne, Danielle Moreira and her husband Alan, Alison Curley and her husband Ryan, Brianne Bates and her husband Daniel, Michael Nesta and his wife Dana, Norman Rathborne III, Daniel Muroski, Jessica Carazo and her husband Nick, Sarah Odom and her husband Tevin; as well as her seven cherished great-grandchildren: Everly Muroski, Kaitlyn Tell, Dylan Curley, Beatrix Nesta, Cameron Bates, Andy Bates, AJ Moreira, countless nieces, nephews, family and friends; and her special great-grand dog, Toby, who brought her immense joy, love, and companionship in her final years.

The Rathborne, Nesta, and Muroski families extend their deepest, most sincere gratitude to the entire staff of the Hunterdon Care Center. Every single department—including the Nurses, Aides, Activities, Kitchen, Maintenance, Laundry, Housekeeping, Administration, and volunteers—had eyes on Pat, surrounding her with an abundance of love and exceptional care throughout her end-of-life journey.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 11:00 AM in the Our Lady of Victories Roman Catholic Church, Route 519, Baptistown, NJ. Additionally, there will be a public visitation in the church on Saturday the 11th, from 9:00 AM until the time of the service. Pat will then be laid to rest adjacent to her late husband at the Prospect Hill Cemetery, Capner Street, in Flemington, NJ.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ. For further information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.holcombefisher.com.