Carol Gaeta

Carol Gaeta, a deeply loved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully at home on July 25, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was 76 years old.

Born January 5, 1949, as the daughter of the late Mildred Cozzolino and Joseph De Mayo, Carol spent most of her life in Nutley, where she built a life centered on love, kindness, and unwavering dedication to her family, friends, and neighbors. For the past six years, she has lived full-time in her shore house in Little Egg Harbor, NJ, enjoying the sunsets and seagulls from her deck overlooking the water.

Carol will be remembered for her warmth, her quiet strength, and the way she made everyone feel welcome in her presence. Whether through a home-cooked meal, a thoughtful conversation, or a simple act of generosity, Carol touched the lives of many.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 54 years, Gregory of Little Egg Harbor, her daughters Lynn Gaeta of Newark, DE, and Sharon Shemeley and husband Kelsey of West Milford, grandaughter Elise Gaeta, brother George De Mayo, sisters JoAnn Veneziano and Anna Marie Maly, sisters-in-law Florence De Mayo and Andrea Balzano, her life-long friends Beverly DelGuercio and Nora Cardone, along with many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Carol’s life will be honored in a private service held by her family at Maxwell Funeral Home, 160 Mathistown Road, Little Egg Harbor, on Tuesday, July 29, from 11 am - 3 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to your local animal shelter, where many deserving pets await a loving home.

Her love and presence will be deeply missed but never forgotten.