Obituary of Florence Colarusso

Florence Colarusso, 95, beloved matriarch, peacefully passed away on April 22, 2023 in Morristown, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on July 29, 1927 in Newark, NJ to Robert and Mary Hartje.

Florence was a dedicated member of the Women’s Club of Morristown, a passionate volunteer for Howard’s Mission, and was a receptionist for 25 years at Ryan Beck & Co. She was also a devoted member of the Church of Christ the King where she found solace in her faith. Though she was known for her love of the color lavender, and was an avid collector of antiques she will be most remembered for her uncanny ability to make anyone feel special and loved.

Not a day went by where Florence didn't talk about how much her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren meant to her -- her family was arguably the most important achievement in her life.

Until the very end she remained actively engaged in the lives of her four surviving children, 19 grandchildren, and 25 great grandchildren, who will forever remember Sunday gatherings at her home in New Vernon, where she lived for the last 48 years. 

Florence was predeceased by her parents, her brother Robert Hartje, husband Joseph Colarusso, and two daughters Dawn Ciasulli and Robin Messuti. She is survived by her daughter Dale and her husband Joseph Principe; daughter Lynn and her husband Frank Keller; son Michael Colarusso and his wife Anne; and son Todd Colarusso and his wife Lenora. 

Gathering of family and friends will be held at Gallaway and Crane Funeral Home, 101 S. Finley Avenue, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 on Thursday, April 27, 2023 from 3pm -7pm. Funeral Mass will be held at Christ the King Church,16 Blue Mill Road, New Vernon, NJ on Friday, April 28, 2023 at 10:30am. Entombment will follow at Somerset Hills Memorial Park in Basking Ridge. For further information, or to leave an online condolence message please visit www.gcfuneralhome.com

 

Florence will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her kind, loving and open-minded spirit will forever be a cherished memory to the many, many, many lives she touched.