Obituary of Susan Borriello

Susan (Garuffi) Borriello passed away peacefully on August 6, 2026, in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her beloved family. She had shared 71 years of love with family and friends.

Born on November 3, 1954, in Brooklyn, New York, Susan was the cherished daughter of the late Maria (DeRobertis) and Lindo Garuffi. The eldest of three children, she spent her early childhood in Brooklyn, often in the company of the grandmother she dearly loved, before moving with her family to Astoria, Queens, at the age of seven. She graduated from Mother Butler Memorial High School in the Bronx and continued her education at Valparaiso University in Indiana. Before beginning the next chapter of her life, Susan worked alongside her father in the family's marble business.  

She married Salvatore Borriello, on June 2, 1979, beginning a beautiful marriage built on unwavering love, devotion, and partnership. Together they made their home in Whitestone, Queens, where they raised their family and created a home that was always filled with unconditional love. Susan was the kind of wife and mother everyone hopes to have. She dedicated herself wholeheartedly to her family, making every holiday, birthday, and ordinary day feel special. 

Once her children were older, Susan turned her creativity into a successful business, owning and operating All Occasions Party Supplies & Gifts in Whitestone, New York. She had a remarkable eye for detail and found immense joy in helping others celebrate their happiness by designing beautiful party favors and decorations, always searching for unique treasures and supplies wherever she went. Susan continued to serve others  in New York City public schools, where her patience, kindness, and nurturing spirit made a lasting impact on the students she supported. She also served as the bookkeeper for her husband Salvatore's business, SDS Construction, taking great pride in helping build and support the family business. 

Funny, feisty, and endlessly kind, Susan had a vibrant personality that drew people to her. An ardent member of Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church in Whitestone, Queens, Susan's faith guided the compassion she showed to others. She spoke beautiful Italian and carried her heritage proudly. She embraced life with endless energy, curiosity, and generosity. Susan loved travel and spontaneous road trips with her children and husband, often setting out with no destination in mind simply because she loved being together and exploring. Whether visiting New York City, spending time at the beach or in the Catskills, or enjoying a day out picking fruit or in Atlantic City, she was happiest making memories with the people she loved. She was always ready for the next adventure and truly lived life to the fullest. An exceptional cook and gracious hostess who valued both tradition and creativity, Susan made everyone feel welcome, and she delighted in gathering loved ones together. She set a glowing example, especially for her son, in her lively kitchen, where she made it clear that cooking for and feeding others was a felt act of love. She showed her love diligently, commemorating every occasion and milestone in her loved ones’ lives. To know Susan was to know that you were loved.

Above all else, Susan's greatest joy was her family. Her beloved husband, Salvatore, was the love of her life, and together they shared a remarkable marriage filled with adoration. 

At a far-too-young age, Susan suffered from frontotemporal dementia, a devastating neurodegenerative disease. During this time, she was cared for by her husband with extraordinary compassion, love, and care. Her whole family mourns the life that was so unjustly taken from her, especially her granddaughters, who loved their nonna dearly and knew her enduring love from the warmth of her presence. 

Susan leaves behind her beloved husband, Salvatore Borriello; her adored children, Salvatore Borriello (Lindsey Alexander) of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Erica Sternberg (Jared) of Mountain Lakes, New Jersey, and Dr. Giulia Borriello (Krystal Diaz) of Cleveland, Ohio; her cherished grandchildren, Avery, Quinn, and Delaney; her loving siblings, Linda Imperiale (Enrico) and Steven Garuffi; her treasured extended Borriello family, including many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; her faithful and attentive caregivers, Lori, Diane, and Kirsten; and many dear friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate Susan's life on Monday, August 10, 2026, from 4–8 p.m. at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville, New Jersey 07834. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 10 North Pocono Road, Mountain Lakes, New Jersey. Memorial donations may be made to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD), in Susan's memory. The family invites you to leave a condolence, share a favorite memory, or light a virtual candle in celebration of Susan's remarkable life. Susan's greatest legacy is the love she poured into her family, the traditions she created, the meals she shared, and the countless lives she touched with her generosity, warmth, humor, and unwavering devotion. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were blessed to know her.