Obituary of Linda S. Melillo

Linda S. Melillo, 74, of Wood-Ridge passed away peacefully at CentraState Medical Center, Freehold, on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. She was born and raised in Jersey City before settling in Wood-Ridge in 1980. Linda dedicated 30 years of her life to educating young minds as a kindergarten teacher at P.S. 17 Joseph H. Brensinger Elementary School in Jersey City before her retirement in 2002. Her life was filled with love and laughter. Linda met her husband, Gerard, on the first day of college at Jersey City State College, and together they shared a deep and lasting bond. Their first date was a trip to see Casino Royale, and their wedding song was "Look of Love." Linda and Jerry enjoyed traveling together, and she always made time to support her nieces and nephews in all of their endeavors. In her free time, Linda was a dedicated Yankee fan and a collector of Charlie Brown and Norman Rockwell memorabilia. She loved visiting the Jersey Shore, especially Wildwood, and listening to Barry Manilow. Linda also enjoyed dining out, particularly for seafood, and attending Broadway shows with her friends.

She was predeceased by her husband, Gerard P. Melillo; parents, Hugh and Stella Marotta; in-laws, Alvera and Jerry Melillo; sister, Joan Lacey and her husband, Duane Lacey; and brother-in-law, William J. Smith. Linda is survived by her in-laws, Louise Ecker of Venice, FL; Robert G. Melillo and his wife, Marylyn of Freehold; Anita  Smith of South Plainfield; John Melillo and his wife, Patricia of Sayreville; and nieces and nephews, Jennifer Budd, Michael Smith, Robert J. Melillo, Lisa Tango and her husband, Dave, Jaclyn Melillo, Alison Smith, John P. Melillo, Lauren Lacey Foster and her husband, Michael, and Duane Lacey. 

A visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia (Route 524), Freehold Township, on Friday, October 25, 2024 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. Relatives and friends are invited to gather at the funeral home on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 8:30 AM for the procession to her 10:00 AM Funeral Mass at St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church, 100 North Main Street, Marlboro. Entombment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery and Mausoleum, 340 Ridge Road, North Arlington. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Linda’s name may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children (www.shrinerschildrens.org). For information, directions, or to leave condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.