Obituary of Geraldyne M. Paolella

Geraldyne Mary Paolella, daughter of long-time South Hackensack mayor Sebastian Ruta and his wife, Virginia DeRosa Ruta, died on Palm Sunday, April 13th, at her home of more than sixty years in Paramus, New Jersey. She was in her 89th year. Patrick, her beloved husband of nearly 67 years, predeceased her on December 26, 2023. The two of them leave behind three children; Patrick, John, and Christopher; two daughters-in-law, Mary Lyn Paolella and Elliot Bostwick Davis; four grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. They are survived also by eight nieces, nephews and their families, and by friends of many years. Geraldyne also leaves behind her brother, Ronald Ruta, and his wife, Joanne. On a personality scale of one-to-ten, Geraldyne was most definitely a twelve. Her love of family and friends knew no bounds, her determination and grit were fierce, and the efforts she constantly made to make people feel special will long be remembered. We were blessed to have her in our lives. Geraldyne's final days were comforted by the devoted care of nurses, but most especially by Kirby Reid, her son Patrick, and her niece, Frances Borg. Their loving kindness and assistance will never be forgotten. A wake will be held on Wednesday, April 23rd, from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Gentile Funeral home located at 397 Union Street in Hackensack. On April 24th, a funeral mass will be celebrated at the Church of Saint Andrew, 120 Washington Avenue, in Westwood at 10:00 AM, with interment immediately following at the George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus.