Catherine Coffaro

Catherine Schibinger Coffaro passed away on Saturday, August 9th at home, lovingly embraced by her son and daughter. She was 78 years old.

Born in Austria on March 19, 1947, Cathy was the youngest of four children. She immigrated to the United States with her family at the age of five and spent most of her life in New Brunswick, New Jersey. She was a proud graduate of New Brunswick High School class of 1965. Later in life, she moved to Flemington, New Jersey, to be closer to her beloved granddaughters.

Before marrying, Cathy worked as a secretary For S&H Green Stamps. She then dedicated herself to being a homemaker and stay-at-home mom, later returning to work at Continental Insurance and retiring from Mariano Press working for her nephews for many years.

Cathy deeply loved her family and found joy in gardening, trips to the shore, visiting the casino, watching football & true crime, reading and watching Jeopardy. She was a proud democratic socialist who cared deeply about immigrants, the LGBTQ community as a proud ally, and the needs of those less fortunate. She was especially proud of her 36 years of sobriety and spent many years helping countless others on their recovery journey.

She was preceded in death by her husband, David; her companion, Don Cornman; her parents, Elisabeth and Mathias Schibinger; her sister, Liz Meller; her brother, John Schibinger; and her niece, Linda Meller.

Cathy is survived by her brother, Matt Schibinger; her devoted son and caretaker, Paul Coffaro; her loving daughter, Kristen Duda, and son-in-law, Thomas Duda Jr.; and her cherished granddaughters, Adrianna and Olivia Duda. She is also survived by many brother and sister-in-laws, nieces and nephews and her beloved pets Biscuit and Dominic.

A memorial gathering will take place, Wednesday, August 13th, 2025 at The GLEASON FUNERAL HOME, 1360 Hamilton Street, Somerset from 10:00am to 12 Noon followed by a Blessing. Interment of Mrs. Coffaro cremated remains will follow at St. Peter's Cemetery, New Brunswick, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Catherine Coffaro's name to one of the following organizations:

• Hunterdon Hospice – 215 Route 31 South, Flemington, NJ 08822

• Hunterdon Medical Center Foundation – 9100 Wescott Drive, Flemington, NJ 08822

• American Lung Association – National Office, 55 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 1150, Chicago, IL 60601