Obituary of Agatha Garaffa

Agatha Garaffa (née Mongrella), of Livingston and formerly a lifelong West Orange resident, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. She was 83.

Agatha was born in Newark on November 11, 1941 to the late Victor and Jennie Mongrella.

She was married to Phillip Garaffa on October 29th 1966. They were married happily for 58 years.

Agatha was an avid bingo player and played weekly. She also loved playing cards.

Agatha worked for Sodexo Service in multiple roles for 28 years, retiring in 2009. She also enjoyed watching old movies.

She adored her grandchildren and spent a great deal of time looking at photos and watching videos of them.

Agatha leaves behind her husband, Phillip Garaffa; her daughter, Barbara Hemmerling and son-in-law Donald; her son, Christopher Garaffa and daughter-in-law Christina, two cherished grandchildren, Emma and Eva Garaffa; one cousin, John Ricca; and many nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Agatha’s family extends a special thank you to the staff of Spring Hill Acute Care Center in Livingston for their excellent care while she was a resident there.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the committal service for Agatha on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Gate of Heaven Mausoluem, 225 Ridgedale Avenue, East Hanover.

*The family has requested that all floral tributes be delivered to Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison prior to Tuesday morning.

Charitable contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105