Remembering Adele Ann Springsteen: A Tribute to Bruce Springsteen’s Mother

Bruce Springsteen announced on Thursday via his official Instagram that his mother, Adele Ann Springsteen, passed away on Wednesday. The rock legend paid homage to his mother by sharing poignant lyrics from his song “The Wish,” reminiscing about their shared moments and capturing the essence of his younger years.

Born Adele Zerilli in Brooklyn on May 4, 1925, she later moved to Freehold, N.J., in 1940 with her husband Doug Springsteen, where they raised three children – Virginia, Bruce, and Pamela. Of Italian descent, Adele played a vital role in Bruce’s upbringing, instilling Catholic values and attending mass at St. Rose of Lima Church in Freehold.

As Bruce’s father worked various jobs, Adele became the primary breadwinner, working as a secretary and even buying Bruce his first guitar, an event immortalized in the lyrics of “The Wish.” Despite the family’s move to California during Bruce’s teenage years, he remained connected to his roots in Freehold.

In her later years, Adele joined Bruce on stage during his performances, showcasing her love for dancing. At almost 90 years old, she danced to “Dancing in the Dark” in Philadelphia and grooved to “Ramrod” at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, earning admiration from her son and the audience.

Adele’s passion for dance, rooted in the swing bands of the ’40s, became a cherished tradition for her and Bruce. They frequented local Jersey spots like The Wonder Bar in Asbury Park for nights out, embodying the joy of dancing as an existential act.

Bruce Springsteen’s tribute to his mother reflects not just on the loss of a beloved family member but also on the enduring memories of love, music, and dance that Adele Ann Springsteen brought into their lives.