Susan M. Giuliano

Susan M. Giuliano passed away peacefully at her home in Middlesex, New Jersey, on July 15, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was 81 years old.

Born in Plainfield on June 19, 1945, Susan was the daughter of Daniel and Harriet Salvato. She grew up on Round Top Road in Warren, where she graduated from Watchung Hills Regional High School. Susan treasured the friendships she made during those years, organizing numerous class reunions and gathering with her classmates for decades.

Susan and her husband Thomas settled in Middlesex in the late 1960’s where she would spend the remainder of her life. In 1979 Susan and Thomas founded The Tee Bag, a custom T-shirt and apparel store in Berkeley Heights. The business became the backbone of Susan’s career. She remained the driving force behind the business for 47 years. She poured her energy, creativity and determination into The Tee Bag into her eighties, turning loyal customers into meaningful friendships. Susan possessed a remarkable work ethic and an unwavering commitment to the business she had built. Even as her health declined she continued working full-time. 

Outside of work Susan loved tending to her garden. She also had a natural tendency to place the needs of others before her own and was known for her generosity, dependability and genuine concern for those around her.

Above all else, Susan loved her family deeply. She especially cherished being a grandmother and embraced the role with tremendous enthusiasm. She was a Girl Scout Leader, Cub Scout Leader and Class Mom. Her welcoming spirit extended well beyond her immediate family, and she became a grandmotherly presence and loyal friend to many.

Susan was also an exceptionally passionate New York Knicks fan. She was thrilled to have watched the team win their first championship in 53 years, providing a long-awaited victory that brought her enormous happiness. 

Susan was predeceased by her beloved husband, Thomas J. Giuliano.

She is survived by her children Thomas and Jill, their respective spouses Julia Vickerman and Charles Kenny and her grandchildren Charlie and Giuliana, and her siblings Kenneth Salvato and Ocean Adams. She also leaves behind many extended family members, classmates, customers and friends whose lives were enriched by knowing her.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 19, 2026, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Boulevard, Watchung, New Jersey. A funeral service will take place at the funeral home at 5:30 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made in her loving memory to the Platelet Disorder Support Association at https://pdsa.org/make-a-donation

Cremation services will be held privately.