Gloria Farrell

Gloria (Menillo) Farrell, 87, of Edison, NJ, passed away peacefully on July 13, 2024 at her home with family by her side. Born in the Bronx, she was raised in the "Little Italy" section near Arthur Avenue along with her four siblings and her parents who immigrated from Italy.
As part of the "Silent Generation", Gloria grew up during a time of war. Her father died when Gloria was only 8 years old; her mother and older siblings worked hard to support the family while raising her. Gloria's siblings always took care of their little sister even after they had children of their own.
An early graduate of Theodore Roosevelt High School, Gloria earned a certificate in Italian. She immediately went to work as a secretary at Holiday Magazine in New York City. As a young adult, Gloria left her job at Holiday to travel with friends to Europe, touring countries including England, France, Switzerland, Denmark, and Italy.
When Gloria returned, she worked in the advertising department as an executive secretary at Newsweek Magazine on Madison Avenue. She loved talking about the excitement of working in NYC at that time and spending many lunch hours shopping at her favorite stores like B. Altman, Bloomingdale's, and Lord & Taylor to name a few! She met her husband, John, in 1967 and they were married a year later on June 8, 1968. She was a beautiful bride.
In 1970, Gloria started her greatest and most important role - the job of being Mom. She had four children. Along with John, she instilled the importance of faith, family, love, and hard work - all of the same values she grew up with. Having four children wasn't always easy. To help support their family of six, Gloria returned to the workforce and found employment with Elangy Corporation (Littman Jewelers) in Edison, NJ, where she made many lifelong friendships.
Gloria was the embodiment of a devoted & loving wife and mother. As her children got older and started driving and going out at night, Gloria would always wait up with a light on until all her kids were safely home. Her caring nature for them extended well into their adulthood even after they had started their own families. She always made sure to have her daily check-in calls with each of them to know that all of her "ducks were in a row."
When John battled a terminal illness, she continued to work and provide for the family. For the year after his diagnosis, she was always at his side as his primary caregiver.
In retirement, Gloria enjoyed spending time with her friends, from activities such as simply going out for coffee or lunch, going to church, or taking in Broadway shows. She greeted everyone she met with a warm smile and an open heart. She was happiest when she was with family and kept the traditions of a typical Italian Sunday dinner going as long as she could. She was fun and light-hearted, usually being the first to laugh at herself.
Gloria dedicated her life to her family and always reminded them how blessed they were and to care for those less fortunate. She loved unconditionally. Later in life, she became a faithful donor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. She was also a devout Roman Catholic and a communicant at St. Matthew The Apostle Church in Edison for over 50 years where she was a member of the Rosary Altar Society.
Gloria was predeceased by her husband John P. Farrell, who died in 2003, as well as her parents Saverio and Josephine (Barbera) Menillo, her siblings: Joan Nelson, Robert Menillo, Frank Menillo, and Anne Fucci.
She is survived by her children: Brian Farrell and his wife Alisa of Center Valley, PA, Kevin Farrell and his wife Melissa of Metuchen, NJ, Shaun Farrell and his wife Kelli of Cranford, NJ, and Kristin Skolnick and her husband Jason of Cranford, NJ; nine grandchildren: Brian, Katie, John, Molly, Courtney, Colin, Kelsey, Chelsea and Brayden. Gloria is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Visitation will be held on Monday, July 22, 2024, from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at the Costello-Runyon Funeral Home, 568 Middlesex Ave. (Route 27), Metuchen, NJ. The funeral will be held on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at the funeral home, followed by a 9:30 am Mass of Christian Burial at St. Matthew The Apostle Church, 81 Seymour Ave., Edison, NJ. Interment will follow at Resurrection Burial Park in Piscataway, NJ.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, an organization that Gloria held close to her heart.