Diane G. Roehm

Diane Gianelli Roehm

March 30, 1947 – October 20, 2025

Diane Gianelli Roehm, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on October 20th, 2025. She was 78.

Born on March 30, 1947, in Rockville Centre, New York, Diane was the third of four daughters born to Olympia (“Vicki”) and Alfred Gianelli. As the middle child of sisters Barbara, Beatrice, and Deborah, Diane had a natural sense of empathy and responsibility that followed her throughout her life.

Diane graduated from Garden City High School before continuing on to Skidmore College, where she earned a BA in Social Work. She later earned her MSW from the University of Hawaii and completed a 4-year post graduate counseling program before launching what would become a lifelong career as a psychotherapist. For over three decades, Diane maintained a thriving private practice in Montclair, New Jersey, helping her clients find clarity in the midst of life’s complexities. Her gift for listening extended beyond her professional life; family and friends alike turned to her for counsel.

On December 27th, 1969, during a massive snowstorm, she married Stephen Roehm, and together they shared 55 extraordinary years filled with laughter, travel, and partnership.

Diane and Steve built a beautiful life together, raising two sons, Scott and Geoff, whom she adored. Diane was a devoted mother, never missing a game, a phone call, or a moment to remind them of her love. Long after they became parents themselves, Diane remained a central figure in their lives.

Diane adored her grandchildren, Paige, Luke, Nemo, and Jack, making regular trips to Brooklyn and Washington, DC to be part of their lives. At home, she would pass their photos daily, whispering “I love you” to each one. While often off-key in song and rhythm-challenged in dance, she never stopped singing and dancing with her grandkids; moments filled with joy, silliness, and unfiltered love.

A voracious reader and curious spirit, Diane found delight in novels, nature, and new experiences. She and Steve traveled the world, visiting 29 countries on six continents, including memorable journeys to Southeast Asia, Argentina, Peru, New Zealand, Australia, Kenya, and many wonderful trips to Europe. Diane was petite, but she spent many summers hiking and kayaking in Cape Cod, and shocked her sons with her bulging biceps when they would arrive to visit.

After growing up on Long Island, Diane lived in many places over the years, including Hawaii, New York City, Montclair and Cape Cod, always with her partner, Steve. As Diane fought a difficult battle with Alzheimer’s disease in the final years of her life, Steve was her devoted caretaker, spending each day at her side and attending to her every need.

Along with Steve, she leaves behind her sisters Deborah and Barbara, sons Scott and Geoff, daughter-in-law Jenn, grandchild Paige and her mother Heidi, and grandchildren Luke, Nemo, and Jack along with other close friends and extended family. We are endlessly grateful for the gift of her life and the love she gave to us.

A private celebration of life will be held for friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Diane by considering a donation to the Diane Roehm Social Work Scholarship at the University of Hawaii.

You may use this link to donate: http://bit.ly/47kJh23

Condolences, memories and photos can be found on Diane's obituary page at www.proutfuneralhome.com.