Obituary of Patricia Louise Giannetti
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Patricia Louise Giannetti, our loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, dog mom, and friend. Pat passed away at home on October 5, 2023 surrounded by her family.
Pat began life on October 14, 1928 in Belmar, New Jersey, grew up in Caldwell, and settled in Rockaway, NJ in 1954. She had graduated high school and continued learning with college classes. Pat began working for NJ Bell until she took time off to raise her seven children. When the time came, she went back to work for Bell where her career advanced. She started as a switchboard operator and advanced her career of 23 years with AT&T to being involved with the flow of network long distance telephone communication. At times she was assisting with specifications for network traffic. Pat was a loyal employee to AT&T in Basking Ridge, NJ where she retired in the early 80s. There she received an award for being a Pioneer of the telephone company.
As a devout Catholic, she was an active and dedicated member of St. Cecilia’s parish where she was a Eucharistic Minister. Pat was also a member of The Cream of the Crop Club. In her free time, she was an avid reader and traveler. She was adventurous and knew how to live a full life. At the young age of 87, she went skydiving. Pat enjoyed her oysters and a nice glass of white zinfandel to go with it.
Although we are deeply saddened by Pat’s passing, we take comfort in knowing that she is now reunited in Heaven with her father, John Widmer Shauger, stepmother Gertrude Shauger, and stepsisters Shirley and Dottie.
Pat’s memory will live on through her devoted children Michael (the late Karen) Giannetti, Linda (the late James) Pinto, Debra (Carl) Anderson, Robert (Beverly) Giannetti, John (Cathe) Giannetti, James (Jennifer) Giannetti, Sue (Garry) VanderSchans. She also leaves loving grandchildren Stephanie, Christopher, Jillian, Anthony, Robert, David, Casey, Bjorn, Sten, Kiira, Shannon, Melissa, Amy, Regina, Samantha, and Joe. Her great grandchildren are Harper, Zayne, Oscar, Thomas, Michael, Miles, Layla, Luna, Torben, and Nikolas. She also leaves behind her four-legged cherished Molly girl with paws that imprinted on her heart.
A public visitation to honor and celebrate Patricia will be held on Thursday, October 12th, 2023 from 3:00PM to 7:00PM at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be held Friday, October 13th at 10:00AM at Saint Cecilia’s Roman Catholic Church, 90 Church St, Rockaway, NJ. Interment to follow at Saint Cecilia Cemetery, 160 Academy St, Rockaway NJ.
If you would like to contribute to Pat’s memory in your own way, flowers can be sent or consider making a charitable contribution to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. Donations can be made via https://inmemof.org/patricia-louise-giannetti to ensure receipt of your donation. Please leave a condolence, light a candle, and share your favorite memory of Pat to continue to celebrate her special life.
