Obituary of Phillip J. Garaffa

Phillip J. Garaffa, a longtime resident of West Orange and Livingston NJ, passed away peacefully at 87 years of age and surrounded by his family on August 19, 2026, at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center.

Born November 28, 1938, Phillip was the son of Nicholas and Catherine (Fiorello) Garaffa. After growing up in Newark and graduating from Central High School, Phillip proudly served his country in the United States Air Force as a technician specializing in electronics. He went on to work for RCA/Mitel for 40 years.

Phillip was married for 58 years to his true love, Agatha Garaffa, who preceded him on February 5, 2025. He was also predeceased by his brothers, Frank, Nicholas, Anthony, and James Garaffa.

Phillip is survived by his devoted children, Christopher Garaffa and Barbara (Garaffa) Hemmerling; cherished grandchildren, Emma and Eva Garaffa; loving sister, Phyllis Wallace; treasured family friend Margaret Smith; daughter-in-law Christina (Crociata) Garaffa, son-in-law Donald Hemmerling, and many nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family.

Phillip will be remembered as a man who loved his family deeply and found happiness in simple moments. He was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Phillip enjoyed taking road trips, having family BBQs, and frequently getting together with his childhood friends, Stan Koza and Walter Lashuk.

His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the Committal Service for Phillip on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Gate of Heaven Cemetery and Mausoleum located at 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. Also, charitable contributions may be made in Phillip’s memory to Wounded Warrior Project, 370 7th Ave suite 1802, New York, NY 10001.