Geraldine "Gerry" Romano

Geraldine Romano “Gerry” (nee Maggio), 85, of Moonachie, died on Friday, September 11, 2026.  Born in North Bergen to the late Alexander and Lena (née Michele) on May 1, 1941, Gerry lived in Hudson County before moving to Moonachie 48 years ago.

After raising her children, Geraldine began working at Les Enfants Childcare in 1984.  She affectionately earned the name “Miss Gerry”, a name that she carried for 42 years.

Christmas Eve was a holiday that she and her husband Joe looked forward to all year long and their “everyone is welcome” New Year’s Eve parties are spoken of fondly, frequently, and with love. 

Upon retirement, she and Joe enjoyed traveling near and far.  They traveled to Italy and Germany multiple times, Holland, Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, and cruised on the  Danube and Caribbean.  One of her more memorable trips was to France, where she and Joe celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at the restaurant housed in the Eiffel Tower.  Gerry was equally content traveling domestically. Florida, Nevada, Alaska, Missouri, Louisiana, Washington DC, and North Carolina were a few stops she and Joe made along the way of life.  Perhaps her most treasured getaway was Myrtle Beach, where she enjoyed great food and family time, with a beautiful blend of her family and Joe’s family.

Even closer to home, Gerry enjoyed attending live performances.  Broadway shows (she saw over 50 performances with her daughter) and musical concerts (she saw Johnny Mathis’ final performance of his career) were always appreciated and spoken of often.

“Aunt Gerry” was frequently called upon to care for her nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-grand nieces and nephews.  Whether she provided regular caregiving or was called upon in a pinch, Aunt Gerry and Uncle Joe always had an open door, welcoming hugs, and a desire to spoil one and all.  These past few months, this care was sweetly repaid by her great-grandniece Winnie, who brought her great joy and comfort.

Gerry was predeceased by Joseph, her husband of 61 years in September 2024.  Surviving are her children, Joseph A. of Clifton, Michele and Robert Sanger, who opened their home for her these last 8 months, sister in law Annabelle Romano of North Carolina, and many nieces, nephews, god-children, and their families.  A great joy this last week was meeting and seeing her new great-grandnephews Emery and Rowan.  

Predeceasing Gerry were her siblings and their spouses, Gloria and Bernard McNulty, Rose and Michael Volpe, Frank and Anne Romano, Marie and Vito Mazza, Blaise and Marie Romano, and Gennaro Romano.  

Gerry will be greatly missed.

Visitation is on Tuesday, September 15, 2026 from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Riotto Funeral Home & Cremation Company, 3205 John F. Kennedy Blvd. Jersey City, NJ 07306. (For GPS navigation it is best to use our parking lot address: 14 Stagg St., Jersey City). Funeral will begin on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, 9:30 AM at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Resurrection at 11:00 AM at Queen of Peace Church, 10 Franklin Pl, North Arlington, NJ. Entombment will take place at Holy Cross Chapel Mausoleum, 340 Ridge Road, North Arlington, NJ. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Gerry to Tomorrows Children's Fund (www.tcfkid.org)