Obituary of Laura A. Garubo

Laura A. Garubo (née Ceraulo), of Chatham Township, passed away peacefully in her sleep after a lengthy illness on Friday, September 23, 2022. She was 75.

Laura is survived by her three daughters, Christa Garubo and her husband William Boland, Joanna Tortorello and her husband Anthony & Michele Murphy and her husband Michael; six cherished grandchildren, Madeline Boland, Lily Boland, Cooper Tortorello, Colton Tortorello, Mila Murphy and Mason Murphy; one niece Laura Nix; two nephews, Philip Nix & Tom Ceraulo; a sister-in-law, Peggy Ceraulo, and many dear friends.

She was predeceased by her former spouse, Louis Garubo; and her siblings, Philip Ceraulo, Patty Nix & Sal Ceraulo.

Laura was born in Newark on October 26, 1946 to the late Philip and Catherine Ceraulo. She was raised in Newark with her sister and brothers. Laura was a graduate of Vailsburg High School.

Laura and Louis welcomed three daughters into their family and settled in Mendham, where they lived for 26 years. The family also lived in Randolph for close to 18 years, prior to Laura moving to Chatham 8 years ago to be closer to her family.

Laura had a long career as an administrative assistant for the Board of Social Services of Morris County before her retirement.

Although she worked, as a mother, her children and family were always her priority in life. Laura was a wonderful mother and grandmother. She adored her six grandchildren and enjoyed every minute she was able to spend with them. Laura made many special memories with her grandchildren and instilled many traditions, such as collecting bags of acorns.

Laura was known for taking care of everyone in the family, as well as friends. She put others before herself her entire life and always made others feel loved. During her several decade battle with cancer, Laura was an inspiration to many people for her constant strength and positivity throughout the ups and downs. She took every opportunity to be supportive and to be a guiding light for many people who were also fighting the disease.

Laura loved family trips to the beach, gardening and knitting. The holidays were always a special time of year for her and she enjoyed decorating her home. Laura was also an avid reader.

Although Laura will be missed beyond measure, her family takes great solace in knowing she is finally at peace. Her legacy of wisdom, kindness, compassion, integrity and love will live on.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the visitation held on Sunday, October 2, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison.

Funeral services begin at the funeral home at 9:00 AM on Monday, October 3, 2022, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial held at 10:00 AM at St. Patrick Church, 85 Washington Avenue, Chatham.

Interment will be held at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that charitable contributions be made in Laura’s memory to one of the following organizations:

St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place • Memphis, TN 38105

The American Cancer Society, PO Box 6704 Hagerstown, MD 21741