Gerarda (Geraldine) Apruzzese

On June 7, 2022 Gerarda (Geraldine) Apruzzese returned home to the Lord after a short illness. Born on April 10, 1929, Geraldine lived an admirable life. She would often regale her family with stories of growing up on a farm in beautiful Gallinaro, Italy and the trials and tribulations of living in Italy during World War II. Not knowing a word of English, she came to America in 1951 to join her husband, Michael. She said she came with her clothing and “six forks and six spoons.”   She learned to read and write English, learned to drive, and became a proud US Citizen. With her husband, she raised three children.

She was a terrific floral designer, an amazing gardener, and a wonderful cook. Her family loved her lasagna, her chicken parmigiana, and especially her “Nonna cookies.”
She was an active, admired and respected member of the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church community, especially in the 50+ Club and the Rosarians. Fr. Pedro of OLMC called her “a pillar of the community.”

It was her undying faith and her devotion to the Blessed Mother that guided her life and that of her family who mourn her loss. They will forever remember her as listening to their request for prayers knowing that she had a “direct line” to heaven. She was a truly inspirational woman.

She is now reunited with her parents, Giuseppe and Filomena; three sisters Maria, Loretta, and Antoinette; and four brothers-in-law; and her beloved husband Michael who passed away in 2005 after a long battle with diabetes during which she cared for him diligently, patiently, and lovingly.
She leaves behind a loving and devoted family: her sons, Mario and his wife Carolyn, Anthony and his wife Andrea, her daughter Lisa Grammatica and her husband Joseph; cherished grandsons Marc and Thomas Apruzzese, treasured granddaughters Christina Apruzzese Tighe and her husband Brendan, Laura Apruzzese Vercelli and her husband Lars and her cherished grandsons Michael and Joseph Grammatica, two beloved great-grandchildren Luke and Lily Vercelli, her caring sister-in-law Anita Apruzzese, and by many loving nieces, nephews and devoted friends.

Visitation is Sunday, June 12, 2022 from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Riotto Funeral Home & Cremation Company, 3205 Kennedy Blvd. Jersey City.  (For GPS navigation, it is best to use our parking lot address: 14 Stagg Street).  Additional visitation is Monday, June 13, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM at the funeral home.  
Funeral Mass is at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 99 Broadway, Jersey City.  Entombment will follow at Holy Name Cemetery, 823 West Side. Ave. Jersey City. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in memory of Geraldine to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, but please state in the memo "Restricted Church Repairs."