Caroline Manzo brought family love to the forefront with a touching birthday celebration for her mother, Nettie Laurita. The former “Real Housewives of New Jersey” star took to Instagram to honor her mom’s 88th birthday with a sweet family photo that captured the joy of the special day.
The image shows the Manzo-Laurita family gathered together, all smiling behind Nettie, who holds a birthday cake decorated with two candles. The multi-generational photo highlights the close-knit nature of the family that became known to Bravo viewers during Caroline’s time on the reality series.
“Happy 88th Birthday, Mama! We had the best day celebrating you & doing what you love most… Arts & Crafts 🩷,” Caroline wrote in her Instagram caption.
The birthday tribute shows the strong family bonds that have always been central to Caroline’s life, both on and off television. Her mother, Nettie, has been a consistent presence throughout Caroline’s public journey, representing the foundation of the large Italian-American family.
The Laurita Family Legacy
Nettie Laurita raised an impressive family of 11 children, with Caroline being one of the most recognizable due to her television career. Caroline was born in August 1961 to parents Nettie and Joseph Laurita, making her part of one of Bravo’s most memorable families.
The Laurita family became central to “The Real Housewives of New Jersey’s” original appeal. Caroline joined the show alongside her sister Dina Manzo and sister-in-law Jacqueline Laurita when the series premiered in 2009. This family connection created unique dynamics that set “RHONJ” apart from other installments in the franchise.
Caroline’s marriage to Albert Manzo III in 1984 further expanded the family tree. Together, they welcomed three children: Albie, Lauren, and Christopher, born in 1986, 1988, and 1989, respectively. The family continued to grow over the years, with Caroline now enjoying her role as a grandmother to two grandchildren.
The birthday celebration comes as Caroline’s family has grown to include her newest grandchild. Her son Albie and his wife Chelsea welcomed their first child together, Albert Joseph Manzo V, in September 2024. Caroline expressed her joy about becoming “DeeDee” to her first grandson. She wrote that she and “PopPop love you endlessly, sweet baby boy.”
Celebrating Simple Pleasures
The family celebrated Nettie’s birthday with arts and crafts activities. Caroline noted in her caption that these activities are something her mother loves most. The celebration focused on incorporating Nettie’s favorite activities into the special day.
This focus on family activities and togetherness has been a consistent theme throughout Caroline’s public life. Even after stepping away from “RHONJ” after five seasons in 2013, she continued to prioritize family with her spinoff series “Manzo’d With Children.” The spinoff series aired from 2014 to 2016.
The family has also celebrated other milestones in recent years. Caroline released her first cookbook, “Food & Other Things I Love,” in September 2024. The cookbook features over 100 recipes inspired by her family meals, showing how food and family traditions remain central to their lives
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Caroline Manzo Celebrates Her Mom’s Birthday with Family Photo