Obituary of Geraldine M. Damato
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Geraldine M. Damato (nee Orlando), lovingly known as Gerri, passed away peacefully Saturday morning, August 9, 2025 at her Paramus, NJ home surrounded by her family. She was 83.
A native of Jersey City, NJ, Gerri graduated from the Lincoln High School and also met the love of her life, Thomas Damato while living in Jersey City. They were married on June 29, 1963 and subsequently settled in Paramus, NJ in 1970. They had shared 62 wonderful years together before her passing.
Mrs. Damato was a devoted wife and mother; her home was a place of warmth and love. She loved to cook and kept a spotless home. She also loved to tend to her gardens. She was kind and caring and possessed a wonderful sense of humor.
After raising her family, Gerri worked as a loan officer with Ridgewood Savings and Loan of Ridgewood, NJ for 15 years before retiring 21 years ago.
Gerri was a longtime member of Annunciation Roman Catholic Church in Paramus. She was also a member of the Ridgewood YWCA and its Parkinson's Support Group.
She is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Thomas Damato; her four beloved children, Cathy Matasker and her husband, Charles of Washington Township, NJ, Tom Damato and his wife, Suzanne of Washington Township, NJ, Dana Folcarelli and her husband, Amedeo of Paramus, and John David Damato and his wife; Linda of Paramus; and nine grandchildren, Rebecca Dare and her husband, Matthew, Jack Matasker, Tommy Damato and his wife, Taylor, Dominick Damato, Diana Matasker, Kristina Damato, Billy Damato, Dante Folcarelli and Catarina Folcarelli. She also recently welcomed her first great-grandson, Cliff Dare. Gerri was preceded in death by her five siblings, Richard Orlando, Frank Orlando, Joseph Orlando, Mary Habinowski, and Jude Orlando.
The family wishes to thank Gerri's extraordinary caregivers, Cassie, Santa, and Fiore who tended to her every need and supported her in her battle with Parkinson's Disease.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Visitation on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, 3:00pm to 7:00pm at Vander Plaat Memorial Home, 113 S. Fairview Avenue, Paramus, NJ. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at Annunciation Roman Catholic Church, Paramus. Entombment will follow at George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus. In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful for memorial Gifts to the Parkinson's Foundation or to Valley Hospice in Gerri's memory.
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Geraldine Damato
1942 - 2025
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