Theresa Garatino, 99, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 3, 2026.

Born on October 3, 1926, in Bayonne, New Jersey, Theresa was the daughter of Italian immigrants Francesco and Genoveffa Barrella. She was raised in Bayonne, where she grew up in a close, hardworking family. Theresa graduated from Bayonne High School and went on to attend Drake Business School, where she developed the clerical and organizational skills that would serve her throughout her professional life.

Following her education, Theresa worked for the Hudson-Manhattan Railway, now known as PATH, in a secretary and clerk capacity. She also worked in New York City’s financial district, experiences that reflected her strong work ethic, attention to detail, and reliability.

In November of 1948, Theresa married Daniel Garatino, with whom she shared 48 years of marriage until his passing in 1996. Their marriage was the foundation of a large and loving family, and Theresa remained the proud matriarch of that family for the rest of her life.

In 1956, Theresa and her family moved to North Plainfield, New Jersey, where she would reside for more than six decades. In 1965, she began what would become an extraordinary 49-year career at the North Plainfield Public Library. Originally hired after a friend recommended her for her outstanding typing skills, Theresa quickly became an essential and trusted member of the library staff. Over the years, she typed countless catalog cards and library board minutes and became especially known for her expertise in repairing books, particularly those considered irreplaceable. Even years later, her skill was still relied upon whenever a book was in need of careful restoration.

Theresa witnessed many changes at the library during her tenure, from its early days in a former house to the construction of the current library building in 1970. She saw the evolution of library services and materials firsthand and took pride in serving the residents of North Plainfield and surrounding Somerset County communities.

Beyond her professional life, Theresa was deeply involved in her community and family. She was a very active parent volunteer, dedicating her time to the school PTA, Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts, always supporting her children and the activities that mattered to them.

As the years went on, Theresa continued her commitment to volunteering and staying engaged. She was especially active with her many “groups,” including the Red Hat Ladies, the town’s senior groups, and St. Luke’s RC Church. At St. Luke’s, she participated in the book club, the Rosary Altar Society, the church’s leisure group, and their bingo gatherings. These activities brought her great joy and kept her closely connected to her faith, her friends, and her community.

Theresa enjoyed life’s simple pleasures. She was a devoted crossword puzzle fan, an avid reader, and loved cooking and baking for family and friends. She enjoyed dining out, shopping, and faithfully watching QVC. She also took great pleasure in watching game shows and her longtime favorite television program, The Andy Griffith Show.

In 2022, Theresa moved to Warren, New Jersey, where she spent her final years surrounded by family. Even then, she had no intention of slowing down, remaining active, social, and hopeful to continue volunteering whenever possible.

Above all, Theresa was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by her children Daniel D. Garatino and his wife Susan of South Plainfield, Elizabeth Surowiec and her husband Gregory of Warren Township, Patricia DeNardis and her husband Paul of Viera, Florida, and Peter J. Garatino and his wife Susan of Vero Beach, Florida; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren, all of whom were a source of immense pride and joy.

Theresa Garatino lived a long and meaningful life defined by dedication to family, service to her community, and a quiet generosity that touched countless lives. She will be remembered with love, gratitude, and deep respect by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Memorial donations may be made to the Hope 4 Paws Humane Society, 75 Rock Avenue, Plainfield, New Jersey 07063, or to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, New York 10306.