Obituary of Linda A. Garafalo

Linda A. Garafalo (nee Levis) born and raised in Hackensack passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 30th. Linda is survived by her beloved husband of 57 years Salvatore, devoted mother of Michele Campos and her husband Rich, Debbie Garofalo and Mike, Diana Mumm and her husband Paul, cherished grandmother of Sophia, Samantha, Aiden, and Owen. Survived by her brother Richard Levis and his wife Agnes, sister-in-law Marie Cafiero, brother-in-law Robert Garafalo and loving Aunt to many nieces and nephews, who she treated as her own. Pre-deceased by her parents Leo and Dina Levis, her in-laws Salvatore and Frances Garafalo, as well as brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws. Linda was a lifelong parishioner of Saint Anthony's of Padua Church, where she met and married the love of her life Sal. You could always find her in the kitchen of the church making meatballs and sauce for a pasta dinner, in the office making copies of music for the choir, where she sang every Sunday and if you were lucky you had her on your wiffleball team during vacation Bible school. Linda was a teacher through and through. As a strong supporter of the Hispanic congregation, she worked side-by-side to teach them the traditions of St. Anthony's that she was raised with. She started her teaching career at Broadway School, taught at Holy Trinity School and was an original member of the Hackensack Cares Program where her heartfelt kindness and love touched so many. From 1986-2005, Linda taught first grade at Fairmount School where she retired to spend time with her grandchildren. Her teaching didn't stop at school, we all learned her traditions. From flipping pancakes, making meatballs, baking cookies to put on her famous cookie dishes that were part of EVERY family gathering to helping her grandchildren learn to make pizza and their favorite desserts. Linda's unconditional love and support will be greatly missed. It will leave an empty space in our hearts that we will fill with her cherished memories. The Funeral will begin from the G. Thomas Gentile Funeral Home, 397 Union Street, Hackensack, on Friday, April 5, at 9:45 AM. The Mass of Requiem will be held at St. Anthony of Padua Episcopal Church, 72 Lodi Street, Hackensack at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Park Cemetery, Hackensack. The family will receive friends on Thursday April 4th from 3:00 – 9:00 PM for visitation at the funeral home. In lieu of flower's please consider a donation in Linda's memory to: St. Anthony of Padua Episcopal Church, (memorial fund) 72 Lodi Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601. To send condolences, or for further information visit www.gentilefuneralservice.com