Gloria Edna Guarino (Zimmerman), 91, of Somerset, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on December 21, 2022, at South Mountain Memory Care in Emmaus, Pennsylvania where she was a resident for the last 4 years.

She was born to the late Edward and Sophie Zimmerman (Bley) on April 30, 1931, in Newark, New Jersey. Gloria graduated from St. Vincent Academy in 1949 and did secretarial work at a hospital in New Jersey. Over the years she held many other professional positions but her most cherished titles were devoted wife, loving mother, grandma and great-grandma.

Gloria married the love of her life, Valentino Joseph Guarino on April 8,1951 at St. Lucy's Church in Newark, New Jersey. They were married for 56 years until his passing in 2007. Together Gloria and Val built a lively and loving home where they raised all seven of their children. She enjoyed raising them with her energetic and playful spirit. The happy couple loved dancing together whether it be at weddings, a house party, or getting caught dancing in the kitchen when they thought the kids were not looking. Gloria was quite the efficiency expert, running a tight ship with lots and lots of lists to keep it organized. There were seven days in the week and she had seven children which allowed for each child to have their own set of chores each day throughout the week. Her children are all thankful for instilling a sense of independence in them and a very healthy work hard, play hard lifestyle. Many family memories were made at the Jersey Shore, all nine of them piling into the car with homemade veal cutlet sandwiches on fresh bread packed for them to enjoy as they watched the sunset.

Gloria was a strong woman whose commitment to family and home was well known to all. She hosted many family dinners and parties, serving the family's favorite dish of macaroni and meatballs. Gloria was a leader in her community and fostered strong relationships amongst her neighbors and friends. She confidently marched to the beat of her own drum, which drew people close to her, and as they got to know her they spent time together filled with laughter, love, and lightheartedness. Following in her father's footsteps she was a self-taught artist who loved to draw people's faces, trying to capture their eyes and expressions. After she raised her children she enjoyed working as a typesetter.

To say Gloria became more adventurous as time went on would be a gross understatement. She was always ready to pack her bags at the drop of a hat and jump in the car or on a plane or train to join her family and friends on whatever journey was presented to her. At 80 years young, Gloria, a devout Catholic her entire life, ventured solo to Italy with a Catholic tour group on a special pilgrimage for her favorite Saint Padre Pio. She reminded us often that all of her prayers were answered through his intercession. She also had a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and encouraged us to pray the Rosary. Her Catholic faith was the guiding light in all aspects of Gloria's life. Val and Gloria wanted to be sure their children had a good Catholic education, so they sacrificed and worked hard to make sure all seven children were able to attend catholic school.

She was preceded in death by her husband Valentino Guarino; daughter Linda Klueber (Guarino); her mother Sophie Zimmerman (Bley) and her father Edward Zimmerman; and sister June Cerrato.

Gloria is survived by her son Edward Guarino (wife Annie), and her daughters, Cathy McGorty (husband Robert), Susan Piasecki (husband Chris), Joanne Ando (husband Mike), Maria Batson, Laura Vagie (husband James); her 20 loving and devoted grandchildren, Katherine Klueber Ablett (husband Eric), Michael Klueber, Christopher Guarino (wife Christina), Eddie Guarino, Daniel Guarino, Nina Guarino, Sophia Guarino, Gabriella Guarino, Piero Guarino, James McGorty, Matthew McGorty, Edward Piasecki, Corey Piasecki (wife Mallory), Jake Piasecki (wife Kait), Thomas Vara, Jessica Vara Gordon (husband Eli), Blake Batson, Grant Batson, Stephanie Vagie Homiek (husband Eddie) and Sara Vagie Walker (husband Billy). She is also survived by 10 great grandchildren, Valerie Ablett, Kellan Piasecki, Quentin Piasecki, Chloe Piasecki, Noah Piasecki, Landon Piasecki, Henry Piasecki, Emma Gordon, Cora Homiek and Callie Homiek.

Gloria will be missed dearly by extended family members including many nieces and nephews.

A visitation service will be held at Saint Joseph's Church, 34 Yorktown Road, Hillsborough Township, New Jersey on December 30, 2022 from 10 am to 11 am. Immediately following the visitation there will be a Catholic Mass followed by a burial at Cedar Hill Cemetery, Wortman Street, East Millstone, New Jersey. All friends and family are invited to attend. The family suggests that those who desire, consider memorial gifts to the International Red Cross.