Karen Grace Tinebra

Karen Grace Tinebra, 75, passed away suddenly at home on July 20, 2024. Karen was born in Jersey City, New Jersey on November 10, 1948. She attended St. Aloysius Elementary School and The Academy of St. Aloysius in Jersey City, and received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Caldwell University in Caldwell, New Jersey. 

Karen began her career at The New Jersey Herald in the early 1970s covering Morris County as a news and education reporter. In 1979,  she began working at Essex County Community College as a writer. She served as an advisor for the student newspaper and mentored journalism students and other student leaders. Eventually, she became Associate Director of Public Relations, working her way up to Director in 1991. All in all, she worked at the college for thirty-one years and as director for nearly twenty. She loved working at “Essex” and often spoke of her esteemed colleagues with great respect. She delighted in the accomplishments of many students who kept in touch and related their achievements as they moved to four year institutions to complete their studies. 

Karen was very invested in her family. For many years, she was caregiver to her parents, Salvatore and Ella (Gudmundsen), as well as, a loving supporter of other elderly relatives and friends. She cherished her many cousins and enjoyed attending their children’s sports activities, dance recitals and other special events. She was a true and generous friend! 

In her early years, Karen traveled extensively. She loved sports and enjoyed playing basketball and skiing. She reveled in the achievements of her beloved Jets and Mets. An avid reader, she read The New York Times, The Washington Post and the Wall Street Journal daily, “To get all sides of the story.” She relished a good debate over current events! Her gregarious personality helped foster friendships in California and England while playing “Words With Friends.”

Karen leaves behind many cousins and lifelong friends who continued to play a part in her daily life. All are saddened that her light has now dimmed from their lives. 

Karen supported many charities, especially animal rights’ groups and shelters. In lieu of flowers and in honor of the many cats she has homed over the years, the family requests donations to the ASPCA or to a charity of your choice. 

Memorial Services will be on Wednesday, July 31, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Riotto Funeral Home and Cremation Company, 3205 Kennedy Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ 07306., (For GPS navigation, it is best to use our parking lot address: 14 Stagg Street).