Adele Springsteen, the mother of rock icon Bruce Springsteen and a significant figure in her own right, passed away peacefully at her home in Little Silver, New Jersey, on Wednesday, January 31. Born Adele Zerilli in Brooklyn, New York, on May 4, 1925, she was the youngest of three sisters. Adele’s journey from New York to New Jersey, and eventually to California, marked a life filled with love, resilience, and an enduring legacy through her family.
Springsteen, a cherished figure known for her vivacity, grace, and the profound love she shared with her extensive family, passed away peacefully at her home in Little Silver, New Jersey, on Wednesday, January 31. Born Adela Rosa Zerilli on May 4, 1925, in Brooklyn, New York, Adele was the youngest of three sisters and a beacon of light to all who knew her throughout her 98 years.
A proud graduate of Freehold Regional High School, Adele was celebrated as the “best dancer in the class,” a title that foreshadowed a life filled with joy, movement, and an indomitable spirit. Her career spanned five decades, during which she served as a legal secretary at Lawyers Title in Freehold, New Jersey, and later at Bohannon Development in San Mateo, California.
Adele and her husband, Douglas Springsteen, established their roots in Freehold, New Jersey, where they welcomed their first child, Bruce, in 1949. From an early age, Adele nurtured Bruce’s musical talents, purchasing his first guitar during his childhood in the 1950s. This early encouragement laid the foundation for Bruce’s illustrious career in music, making him one of the most celebrated rock stars in history.
Adele’s battle with Alzheimer’s disease in her later years did little to dim her vibrant spirit. Her last public appearance with Bruce in 2018 at the Wonder Bar in Asbury Park was a testament to their unbreakable bond. Through his performances in “Springsteen on Broadway,” Bruce shared stories of his mother’s impact on his life, offering fans a glimpse into the depth of their relationship.
Adele’s passing marks the end of a remarkable life, one that was deeply intertwined with the fabric of American music history. Her legacy, however, lives on through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, as well as the millions of fans who have been touched by the music she helped inspire.