Irene Garruto, (nee DiFazio), 72, of East Hanover passed away on Monday, September 2, 2024 at Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston. Irene was a dedicated teacher in the Newark Public Schools for 34 years at both Franklin and First Avenue Schools before retiring in 2011. During the summer months, she enjoyed her time working at the East Hanover Recreation Center and was well-known for greeting each child and family as they entered summer camp each day. Irene was an active parishioner at Saint Lucy's Church in Newark where she participated in the Feast of Saint Gerard every year. She could be found sharing her meatball sandwiches while marching through the streets of the city proudly following Saint Gerard.

Irene is survived by her devoted husband of 46 years, Emil, her children, Louis and his wife Alexandria, Danielle Catalano and her husband Joseph, Carmine and his wife Victoria. Irene was the cherished Mimi of Giada, Brooklynn, Luca, Bria, Matteo, Bronx and Carmine II.  Irene is also survived by her two brothers Mauro DiFazio and his wife, the late Deborah, Dr. Michael DiFazio and his wife Betty, as well as her late brother- in-law Louis, and his surviving wife Olimpia. She leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Irene is predeceased by her parents, Daniel and Lucille DiFazio, and her father-in-law and mother-in-law Emil and Carmella Garruto.

Visitation at the Leonardis Memorial Home, Inc., 210 Ridgedale Avenue, Florham Park on Thursday from 4-8pm.  Funeral on Friday, assembling at the funeral home at 8:45am, followed by the funeral mass at St. Lucy's Church in Newark at 10:30am.  Entombment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in E. Hanover.