Gladys Blanche Berardi

Gladys Blanche Berardi, age 70 years, of Long Valley, NJ, died peacefully at home on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on August 10, 1955, in Newark, New Jersey, to the late Vincent and Gertrude Berardi. A woman of extraordinary talent, courage, and dedication, Gladys built a life marked by service, achievement, and unwavering commitment to others.

Gladys worked for many years as a Postal Inspector, where her distinguished career included contributing to the investigation that helped bring down the Unabomber. Her dedication to public service continued when she traveled to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, assisting with critical Postal Service recovery efforts during one of the nation's most challenging times.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Gladys was a world-class fencer, widely respected nationally and internationally. She remains the most decorated United States Pan-American fencer, earning over 33 medals throughout her remarkable competitive career. She coached fencing for numerous colleges, universities, and clubs, shaping generations of athletes with her expertise and passion. Gladys also held every office in the New Jersey Fencing Division, demonstrating leadership that helped strengthen and grow the sport across the state.

Her dedication to fencing went far beyond competition and coaching. She served as the Chair for the Garden State Games and the Garden State Senior Olympics, helping bring opportunities for athletes of all ages to compete and thrive. The U.S. Fencing Association honored her with a Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing her extraordinary contributions to the sport and its community.

After her competitive years, she continued to share her knowledge as the fencing coach at West Morris High School, where she inspired and guided countless young athletes. Gladys also held a Master's Degree, further reflecting her lifelong commitment to education and self-improvement.

In her personal life, Gladys found joy in many things, especially her love for all things Disney. She was an avid Disney fan, embracing the imagination, wonder, and magic found in its stories-something she joyfully shared with her family.

She is survived by her beloved daughter, Sabina Orsi, and her cherished grandsons, Terry and Sammy. She was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Tony Orsi; and her brothers, Jimmy and Michael Berardi.

In keeping with her lifelong desire to help others, Gladys made the selfless decision to donate her body to science, allowing her legacy of service to continue through the advancement of medical knowledge and the training of future doctors.

Gladys will be remembered for her remarkable accomplishments, her fearless spirit, her generous heart, and the love she shared so freely. Her legacy will continue to live on in her family, her students, and all who were touched by her extraordinary life.

A life celebration service is being planned for the Spring of 2026. Kindly check back on this page for updated information which will be posted when finalized.

Per Gladys' wishes, her body was donated through Anatomy Gifts Registry, Hanover, MD, in the hopes that others may live longer, happier, and healthier lives.

Arrangements in New Jersey are under the care and direction of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ.

You are encouraged to visit Gladys' permanent life celebration site at www.wrightfamily.com to leave messages of condolence, share words of comfort and recollection, and post photographs of her life.

Memorial contribution information will also be forthcoming.

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Wright & Ford, your local, family owned & operated "Life Celebration Home"