Geraldine E. (Bruni) DiRisio

Geraldine Elaine DiRisio ( née Bruni) died peacefully, November 28th after a brief illness, surrounded by her loving family. She was 86. She was born in Paterson, New Jersey and lived in Mahwah, New Jersey for 54 years until her death. She was a longtime communicant of Immaculate Conception Church in Mahwah. Geri was predeceased by her late husband Roderick DiRisio.

Geraldine was a dedicated career nurse. She received her RN from Paterson General Hospital school of Nursing and later, a BS degree from Ramapo College and a MPH degree from William Paterson College. She enjoyed a long, rewarding career at Wayne General Hospital, beginning as a staff nurse, then appointed Chief Nursing Officer and finally, Interim Chief Executive Officer. Upon retirement, she enjoyed teaching the students at Ramapo College. Geri was a stellar role model and offered great support to her nursing students. She excitedly looked forward to attending annual reunions with her own nursing school classmates and cherished their lifelong friendships.

Roderick and Geri were married in 1958 and welcomed three sons, David (Catherine) of Forked River, NJ, Darryl (Tara) of Slingerlands, NY, and Derek (Paula) of Rehoboth Beach, DE. Geri’s legacy is carried on through her loving grandchildren Christopher (Jamie), Ryan (Kareem), Aislyn, Bryce and Grace DiRisio and cherished great grandchildren, Jack and Nora.She is survived by her dear sister, Sylvia Covello.

Geraldine had a wonderful life and was a natural, gifted caretaker to others. She embodied compassion, humility, and empathy towards everyone she cared for and knew. She took extraordinary, selfless care of her husband of 62 years who suffered greatly with rheumatoid arthritis and later generously cared for her beloved sister, “Benee”.

Geraldine loved her Mahwah,New Jersey home. She enjoyed the outdoors, working in her gardens, and the support and friendship of her wonderful, caring neighbors. Along with her husband, she especially enjoyed the peace and tranquility of their country home in Sharon Springs NY. Geri was a dedicated reader who treasured her book collection and rereading her favorites of classic literature.

Above all else, Geri was a loving wife, sister, mother and grandmother. She beamed with pride of the accomplishments and successes of her grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association or Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

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