MARGARET A. GAGLIARDI – Obituary
Margaret A. Gagliardi (née Dugan), age 89, of Clayton, NJ, passed away on November 7, 2024. Beloved wife of Leonard A. Gagliardi for 63 years. She is survived by their five children: Leonard A. Gagliardi (Beth) of Four Oaks, NC; Mark A. Gagliardi (Andrea) of Medford, NJ; Donna Marie Gagliardi of Elk Township, NJ; Diane Gagliardi of Clayton, NJ; and Andrew J. Gagliardi of Clayton, NJ. Margaret was the cherished grandmother of 13 grandchildren and the proud great-grandmother of 8 great-grandchildren. She was also a devoted sister to Patricia McGinley (the late James), the late Joseph Dugan (Ann), the late Kathryn McGrory (the late John), the late Jack Dugan (the late Betty), the late Joan Dugan (Bob Carbonell), the late James Dugan (the late Mary), and the late Charles Dugan (Linda). She was predeceased by her parents, Joseph P. and Margaret (née O’Malley) Dugan. Margaret is also remembered fondly by her numerous godchildren.
Born on July 29, 1935, in Philadelphia, PA, Margaret was raised in the city of Philadelphia. She was a proud graduate of John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls’ High School, where she developed an enduring love for learning and intellectual discussion. Margaret later moved to Pennsauken, NJ, where she resided for over forty years. Before becoming a Homemaker, Margaret was a reservationist with United Airlines in Philadelphia. She had worked with the airline for almost twenty years, and she later met her husband here. Five years ago, she moved to Clayton, NJ, where she spent her final years.
Throughout her life, Margaret had many passions. She was an avid reader, finding joy in literature throughout her life. Margaret also enjoyed watching classic films, delighting in their timeless stories. Every Saturday morning, she tuned into the Irish Hour on the radio, a tradition she cherished deeply as part of her connection to her Irish roots. A lover of parades, cryptograms, and the art of debating, she enjoyed engaging in spirited discussions and intellectual challenges.
A talented dancer, Margaret had a particular love for the jitterbug, which she enjoyed dancing to with family and friends. Elvis Presley was her favorite singer, and his music always held a special place in her heart. Above all, Margaret loved spending time with her family and friends, ensuring they were well-fed and well-cared for.
Margaret was a devout Catholic and a member of the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia, where she was later married. Her unwavering faith guided her through all things, and she will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, and devotion to her family and community.
Relatives and friends are invited to her visitation on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Church of the Nativity, 2677 Delsea Drive, Franklinville, NJ 08322. Funeral Mass at 12:00 PM. Ennichement to follow at Gloucester County Veterans Cemetery. Services are under the direction of the BARCLAY FUNERAL HOME. Sign the guestbook at BarclayFuneralHome.net.
Published in The Sentinel of Gloucester County 11/21/2024 Printed Edition