Linda A. Gallitano
January 27, 1943 – September 25, 2025
Roxbury Township

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Linda A. Gallitano, on September 25, 2025, at the age of 82. A devoted mother, grandmother, and recently great-grandmother, Linda’s life was a testament to love, resilience, and creativity.

Born and raised in Flushing, NY, Linda spent 30 years in Elmwood Park, NJ, followed by another 30 in Manahawkin, NJ, before settling in Ledgewood, NJ in 2023 and more recently to the Sunrise Assisted Living Center in Randolph. Her journey through life was marked by grace, strength, and an unwavering commitment to her family.

As a single mother raising three young daughters, Linda was a tireless provider and a constant source of love and encouragement. Despite long work hours, she never missed a school play, a parent-teacher conference, or a late-night heart-to-heart. Her home overflowed with laughter, warmth, and the beauty of her handmade quilts and paintings.

Linda was a woman of many talents and passions. An exceptional cook, she eagerly took classes to master new cuisines and techniques, always sharing her culinary discoveries with loved ones. Her artistic spirit shone through her vibrant paintings, which adorned her home with color and life. Her love of quilting was a cherished gift she passed down to her grandchildren—whether through lovingly crafted baby quilts or patient lessons during family visits.

Later in life, Linda met her soulmate, Gene, and together they modeled a marriage built on mutual respect, adventure, and tenderness. Their bond flourished as they traveled the country in their motorhome, discovering small towns, national parks, and hidden gems. Whether parked beside a quiet lake or swapping stories under the stars, their journey was one of deep connection and shared wonder. As members of the Gateway Winnies motorhome club, they formed lasting friendships with fellow travelers.

Even after retiring from her office job, Linda continued to share her kindness with the world. As a school bus aide, she greeted each child with a warm smile and gentle presence, turning daily rides into moments of comfort and joy. The children adored her, and her impact was felt far beyond the bus route. Her friendships with Mary, Marilyn, Judy, Bob, and Del brought laughter and cherished memories.

Linda was predeceased by her parents, Ann (née Warnells) and Frederick Hensel; her husband, Eugene Gallitano; her daughter, Marina Carrillo-ZiZack; and her brother, Frederick A. Hensel. She is survived by her devoted daughters, Ann Vitz (Timothy) and Loren Sheridan (Jay); her son-in-law, Ronald ZiZack; seven grandchildren—Gregory Vitz (Nicole Vogel), Jonathan Perske, Amanda ZiZack, Bryan Vitz, Olivia Maita (Greg), Keith Vitz, and Grace Sheridan—and one great-grandson, Brooks Maita.

Linda’s legacy is one of love—for her children, her craft, her partner, and the world she embraced with open arms. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit lives on in every quilt stitched with care, every recipe passed down, every brushstroke of color, every mile traveled, and every child who smiled because of her gentle heart.

In lieu of ­flowers we request that a donation be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association https://www.lbda.org/donate/ in memory of Linda Gallitano. Friends may visit at Davis & Hepplewhite Funeral Home, 96 Main Street, Succasunna, NJ, 973-584-7264 on Wednesday, October 1st, from 5 – 8 pm. The Funeral Liturgy will be held on Thursday, October 2nd, at 10 am, at St. Therese R C Church in Succasunna.