Geraldine “Gerry Red” Tobia Obituary (1927 - 2021)

Geraldine "Gerry" Marie Tobia Geraldine "Gerry" Marie Tobia (Gallucci), 94, died peacefully on March 29, 2021 at Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, N.J. She leaves her sons, Stephen Joseph and Jody Michael, daughters-in law Deborah, Marie and Debra, five grandchildren, Jennifer (Michael), Stephanie, Alphonse II (Amanda), Gerald (Michele) and Joseph. She has five great-grandchildren, Josephine, Penelope, Aubrey, Gerald Jr., and Evie. She was preceded in death by her spouse Alphonse Charles Tobia, November 1982 and son Alphonse Daniel, March 2020. Gerry was born in St. Michael's Hospital, Newark on February 12, 1927 to Raphaella and Samuel Gallucci. Gerry was the youngest of six siblings, Angelina Laturza, Samuel Gallucci, Connie Ciancullo, Rose Piscitelli and Phyllis Testa. Born and raised in Newark, NJ, Gerry worked for the Howard Savings Bank -Newark and headed the Executive Cafeteria. Upon her success, she was transferred to the Glen Ridge location to oversee the Student Loans Department. In May 1948, Gerry married childhood friend and love of her life, Alphonse Charles Tobia. Together, they raised three kindhearted sons Alphonse Daniel, Stephen Joseph and Jody Michael. After 60 years as a Newark local, she relocated near Verona Park to be closer to her family. Gerry was active in the community and lived a vibrant life on and off the field. Her favorite pastime was enjoying sports, both participating and watching. You could spot her on the sidelines cheering on her children and grandchildren. As a proud, lifelong fan of the New York Yankees, she got a kick out of attending baseball games to eat hotdogs and popcorn with her family. When it became too difficult to travel to the stadium, Gerry was home rooting for the home team with the ones she loved the most. She is fondly remembered around town driving up and down Bloomfield Avenue in her red Volvo. She was an avid collector of all things Derek Jeter, Frank Sinatra and MacGyver. Gerry was sharp witted and compassionate. She spent her final days at home drinking espresso, eating pizza and watching reruns of John Wayne. Gerry will be united and laid to rest next to her husband. "Gerry Red" we love you and miss you. Visiting in the Prout Funeral Home (www.proutfuneralhome.com), 370 Bloomfield Ave., Verona, NJ will be on Saturday, April 24, 2021 from 9am to 10:30 am. A Funeral Mass will follow in Our Lady of the Lake Church, Lakeside Ave., Verona at 11 am. Facial masks and social distancing are required at the funeral home and church. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Verona Rescue Squad, 12 Church Street, Verona, NJ 07044 (www.veronars.org) in Gerry Tobia's name. Condolences may be left at www.proutfuneralhome.com.