Obituary of Ellen E. Gero

Ellen Elizabeth Gero, of New Providence and former longtime resident of Summit, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2026, at the age of 84 surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on January 7, 1942, in Summit, to the late James Brennan and Mary Dundon Brennan, Ellen’s roots ran deep in the area. Though life briefly took her to Pennsylvania, she ultimately returned to her beloved hometown of Summit, where she spent the majority of her childhood. After high school, she attended business school and went on to balance a fulfilling life as both a dedicated homemaker and a professional, working Mirrer Pharmacy and later as an office manager for HC Deuchler Opticians in Summit.

It was during her high school years at Bayley-Ellard High School that Ellen met the love of her life and high school sweetheart, Charles J. Gero, Jr. The pair were married on September 12, 1964, and shared 57 beautiful years of marriage before Charles’s passing on February 3, 2022.

Charles and Ellen eventually moved to New Providence where they would raise their daughters. The true matriarch of her family, Ellen was a devoted stay-at-home mother when her children were young. Her sharp wit, vibrant humor, and deeply thoughtful nature defined everything she did. She was famously known as "Grandma Cake" for her love of baking delicious cakes for family and friends. When she wasn't caring for others, Ellen kept her mind incredibly sharp reading and tackling crossword puzzles. Above all else, she cherished her family, finding her greatest joy in her grandsons.

Ellen is survived by her loving daughters, Debra Gero Schiff and her husband Brian of Maplewood, and Dianne Palmieri and her husband Anthony of New Providence; her brother, John Brennan; and her five cherished grandsons, Michael, Tyler, Zachary, Gavin, and Brandon. She also leaves behind many loving nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles; and her brothers, Jimmer and Bill Brennan.

Ellen’s kindness, warmth, and thoughtful nature were gifts treasured by her family and will be deeply missed.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend a visitation for Ellen to be held from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison. A funeral service led by Fr. Owen B. Moran will be held at 1:00 p.m. during the visitation. Following the service, the family invites friends and family to share memories and stories about Ellen's presence in your life.

Interment will be held privately for the family.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made in Ellen's name to Eversight, an organization that helped Ellen many times. For over 75 years, Eversight has been working to restore sight and prevent blindness through the healing power of donation, transplantation and research. You can also make a contribution in her memory to Lighthouse Guild, another organization that assists those with vision loss.