Phyllis M. Giglio

Phyllis M. Giglio, 97, a devoted nursing supervisor and compassionate caregiver, passed away on December 26, 2025, at Morristown Medical Center surrounded by her family. Born in Newark, New Jersey, on September 15, 1928, Ms. Giglio graduated from Central High School and entered the nursing program at the then Newark City Hospital (now University Hospital). She earned an R.N. degree in 1949. She continued working in the Female Medicine Department, but after a few years, she learned of an opening in the Operating Room as a staff nurse. She was ultimately promoted to Head Nurse and then Supervisor of the Operating Room. After much prompting, Ms. Giglio returned to school to earn a Bachelor's degree from Jersey City State College when she was in her mid-40s.
Toward the end of her career, she realized that there was no pension for nurses who were retiring from the hospital. Ms. Giglio filed a class action lawsuit against the City of Newark to pursue pensions for retiring nurses. The Court ruled in her favor, and to this day, nurses who retire from University Hospital receive a pension. Upon retiring from the hospital, Ms. Giglio worked part-time in a doctor's office. As a nurse, she was known for her calm leadership, unwavering professionalism, and a deep commitment to compassionate and quality care. Her guidance shaped countless nurses and improved the lives of innumerable patients.
Beyond professional accomplishments, Ms. Giglio was admired for her kindness, integrity, and steady presence. She had a unique ability to lead with both strength and empathy, ensuring that everyone felt heard, respected, and supported, especially during the most challenging moments.
Ms. Giglio was deeply devoted to her faith. She was a long-time parishioner at St. Anthony's Church in Belleville where she served as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist and President and Past President of their Rosary Society. She was recognized for her commitment to bringing the Eucharist to patients at Clara Maass Hospital in Belleville for over 10 years.
Nothing brought greater joy to Ms. Giglio than time spent with her family, including sharing meals, celebrating milestones, and offering unwavering support through every season of life. She was a constant source of encouragement and care. Whether through thoughtful guidance, an infectious laugh, or simply being present when it mattered most, Ms. Giglio fostered a family rooted in love and belonging. She is predeceased by her parents, Michael and Marie Giglio, her her siblings, Paul, Charles, Vera Palumbo, and Annette Duca, and a nephew, Michael. She is survived by her sister, Dorothy DeNigris (Peter), 13 nieces and nephews, 19 great-nieces and nephews, 1 great-great nephew, and many godchildren. Her family will carry forward the values of compassion, loyalty, and togetherness by which Ms. Giglio lived every day. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of those who were fortunate to be loved by her.
A viewing for her family and friends is scheduled for Thursday, January 1, 2026, from 2:00pm-5:00pm at ParTroy Funeral Home in Parsippany. A celebration of her life is scheduled for 9:30am on Friday, January 2, 2026, at Notre Dame of Mount Carmel Church in Cedar Knolls. Interment is at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully asks that donations be made to either St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church (63 Franklin Street, Belleville, NJ 07109) or The Alzheimer's Association Greater New Jersey Chapter (23 Vreeland Road, Suite 105; Florham Park, NJ 07932).