Eileen Marcia Garone

Eileen Marcia Garone, beloved wife of Michael R. and mother of Michael L., Kristin D., and Robert G., passed away peacefully at home in Randolph, NJ on May 19, 2025, after a courageous 32-year battle with breast cancer.
Eileen was born in Bayshore, NY on her mother's birthday to parents William and Mary "Arlene" Rossitto. The eldest of 6 children, Eileen treasured her younger siblings. From an early age, Eileen was passionate about caring for others, especially for little ones. This inspired her to follow in the footsteps of her mother and pursue a career in nursing. After graduation from West Islip High School (Class of '77), Eileen earned her BSN from the College of New Rochelle (Class of '81). Always dedicated and conscientious, Eileen's kindness, compassion, warm smile, playful sense of humor, knowledge, and technical skill blessed countless individuals during the course of her career. She employed her professional talents in a variety of settings including Pediatric Intensive Care (at Northshore University Hospital), Neonatal Intensive Care (at St. Barnabas Medical Center, where she rose to the position of head nurse), and home care. Eileen rounded out her career as a school nurse at Randolph Middle School. Although Eileen found it necessary to retire in 2013 due to increasing health complications, she maintained a deep love for and commitment to those she cared for and to the many colleagues she counted as friends.
Eileen brought great love to all that she did, especially to the life of her family. She was a devoted wife to Mike, who she met at the age of 18 while scooping ice cream at Friendly's. Through thick and thin, in sickness and in health, Eileen's affectionate support of her husband remained steadfast. Together, Eileen and Mike shared many wonderful adventures, including a temporary relocation to Anchorage, AK. Their greatest adventure was raising their children. Eileen was a legendary mom who wore many hats: listener, instructor, cheerleader, crafter of custom homemade Halloween costumes, comedienne, and so much more. Eileen did everything in her power to make life better for her family. Despite extensive chronic illness, she was determined to be present to those she loves.
Through all life's joys and trials, Eileen was sustained by an unwavering Christian faith. She was a lifelong Catholic dedicated to serving Jesus in her daily life.
She is survived by her loving husband Michael R. Garone; children: Michael L. & Amy (née Mathewson) of Port St. Lucie, FL, Kristin D. of Morristown, NJ, and Robert G. & Elizabeth (née Thompson) of Reading, PA; mother M. Arlene Rossitto; siblings: Yvonne & Chris Kopp, Debra Rossitto, Julie & Marty Smith, Bill & Lori Rossitto, Diane & Greg Sansom; parents-in-law: John M. & Madeline J. Garone; siblings-in-law: John T. & Molly Garone, Robert F. & Midori Sawada Garone, and Christine O'Connell (née Garone); many beloved nieces and nephews, extended family members, and so many dear friends. Eileen was also delighted to be expecting her first grandchild this summer. Eileen will be sorely missed by all.
Eileen's family members wish to express their gratitude to all the excellent doctors, nurses, and ancillary healthcare workers whose expertise, assistance, and gentle care served to extend and preserve the quality of Eileen's life for as long as possible. They are particularly indebted to Dr. Richard Michaelson and Dr. Anna Litvak.
Visitation will take place on Tuesday, May 27 from 4-8PM at Tuttle Funeral Home, Randolph, NJ 07869. A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, May 28 at 10:30AM at Saint Mary's Church in Wharton, NJ (GPS ADDRESS: 371 South Main Street, Wharton, NJ 07885), with interment to follow at Holy Rood Cemetery, Morristown, NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Eileen to Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital.