Obituary of Gloria Virginia Mauro
Gloria Mauro, 87, of Somerset and formerly of Pompton Plains, passed away peacefully in her home on August 17, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones.
Gloria was born in Palisades Park, NJ on February 3, 1937, to Philomena and Basilio Sapio. After skipping 2 grades in elementary school, Gloria graduated from Memorial High School in 1953 as class salutatorian. From high school, Gloria attended Montclair State University, majored in English, and minored in elementary education. A pioneer of her day, Gloria went on to receive her master’s degree as a reading specialist.
After graduating college, Gloria started her lifelong career teaching grades 3 and 4. Gloria was passionate about helping her students succeed and was loved by her students. She would often forgo her own lunch hour to patiently tutor her students. Gloria handcrafted her own bulletin boards and bought extra supplies she thought her children could benefit from. She also received many awards for her excellence in teaching.
Gloria met her husband, Samuel Mauro in junior high school. At first Gloria and Sam were best friends and since both were only children, they called each other big brother and little sister. Gloria and Sam went on to have two children, 6 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. Her role as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother is lovingly emphasized sharing qualities of hard work, love, strength support, and generosity. Even the family pets loved Gloria. She was often called the dog whisperer because the dogs would follow her around the house (perhaps it was because she would slip them one of her homemade meatballs or pieces of bread.)
Gloria retired in 1997. When she was not enjoying the company of her friends and family she enjoyed many hobbies. Among Gloria’s hobbies were embroidering and crocheting. Gloria carefully made beautiful Afghans for her granddaughters for their weddings. Gloria also loved to read. She later played mahjongg with her wonderful and caring neighbors from Somerset Run. It was always a happy day for her when she was meeting up with “the ladies.” Perhaps Gloria’s favorite passion was her love for cooking and baking. Gloria was an avid baker and chef. The quintessential Italian woman, she would bake and cook to show love to her husband, family, and friends.
Gloria was predeceased by Samuel Mauro and is survived by their son, Steven Mauro, wife Lucinda Mauro, children Jordan Swaidner, and her husband Zach, and Skyler Mauro and their daughter Debra Brothers, Husband Kevin Brothers and children Devon Seidell, husband Greg Seidell, their three children, Gregory Jr., Charles Samuel and Paige Grace, Brittany Brothers, Brianna Backer and her husband Tyler, and Melanie Brothers.
A visitation will be held on Monday, August 26, 2024, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Higgins Home For Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ 07069. A Mass in celebration of Gloria’s life will be held on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at 10:00 am at Saint Joseph’s Church, 34 Yorktown Rd, Hillsborough Township, NJ 08844. An Entombment will follow at Somerset Hills Memorial Park, 95 Mt. Airy Road, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to an organization that is dear to her heart: The Somerset Hills Learning Institute, where both her daughter and son-in-law hold leadership positions, or to the American Cancer Society.
Flowers can be arranged by Warren County Florist - 908-757-1100.
