April Aaronson

On Wednesday, November 12, 2025, April Aaronson passed away at age 64 after a nearly six-year battle with ovarian cancer. She was at home surrounded by family until the end.

April was born on September 11, 1961 and grew up in Allentown, NJ. The family moved to Trenton when she was in high school. She got her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Rutgers University, and worked at a nonprofit in New York City while completing her Master's in Public Administration and Master's in Social Work at Columbia University.

April built her life around empowering marginalized people in NJ. Over her career, she served as Director of Welfare, then Director of Health and Human Services, for the City of Trenton; Director of Health and Human Services for Mercer County; and Director of Planning and Special Initiatives for the NJ Department of Human Services. April also worked at the executive level for children's services nonprofits Youth Consultation Services and Court Appointed Special Advocates of NJ. One of her proudest moments was receiving the Equal Justice Medal from Legal Services of NJ. In her own time, April served on the Board of Trustees of multiple nonprofits, including LIFE St. Francis, a center for elderly care at the former St. Francis Medical Center, and Isles. She also lived as a philanthropist, donating regularly to a wide array of causes.

April pushed tirelessly for change while those around her felt comfortable with the status quo. Colleagues and friends have described her as "authentic," a "big picture thinker," and having "the best combination of skill, knowledge and sheer tenacity along with compassion, professionalism and humor." Gwendy Harris, a former colleague and mentor, said that under April's leadership at the City, their "Division of Welfare became the best General Assistance program in the State of New Jersey."

Even after her cancer diagnosis forced her to retire, April remained active. She served on the Board of the Trenton Microloan Collaborative, helping the organization build up crucial infrastructure to more effectively support formerly incarcerated entrepreneurs. She wrote grant proposals for the EASEL animal shelter in Ewing. And she founded her own clothing resale business, regularly selling clothing on Poshmark and at local consignment stores.

Apart from her professional life, April was a dedicated wife, mother, daughter, and sister. She loved every kind of animal and called herself the "mother of all dogs." She lived vivaciously--her music of choice was heavy metal, she laughed often and inspired laughter in others, and she took every opportunity to travel. Some of her favorite destinations included Italy, Puerto Rico, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Morocco, and England. She was whip-smart--an excellent writer--and kept her brain sharp through crossword puzzles. She also drank copious amounts of iced tea.

April is survived by her husband Dan and daughter Grace. They will be scattering her ashes in some of her favorite places, including Long Beach Island, NJ; near Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota; and Sicily. Her life will be remembered through a private service for family, led by Pastor Karen Hernandez-Granzen at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Trenton.

If you wish to honor April's legacy, her family asks for donations to be made to these nonprofits selected by April: ACLU of NJ ,  RaisingHealth Partners (where her daughter works!), and/or Cancer Support Community of Greater Philadelphia.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements under the direction of Peppler Funeral Home, Allentown.