Obituary of Dorothy Ann Giordano

Dorothy Ann Giordano (August 8,1933—October 16, 2025) was born in and lived in South Orange for 88 years. Her parents Alessandro DeCicco and Maria DeCicco nee Musto had thirteen children—their daughter, Dorothy, was number 10 and the last surviving member of their nuclear family.

In 1953 she married the late Pasquale Giordano. He, too, was born and lived his life in South Orange (a fireman and Chief of the South Orange Fire Dept). Together they had 6 children. Dorothy was predeceased by her son, Patrick Giordano. She is survived by:  Dorothy Ann Westreich (Phil), Deborah Giordano, Mary Jo Dempsey, Grace Quagliariello (Joseph), and Michael Giordano (Michele). They had 13 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Together Dorothy and Pat had a combined extended family of 17 siblings, and 50 nieces and nephews.

Dorothy worked as a telephone operator until she had her first child. She was an incredibly dedicated wife and mother who placed her husband and children’s needs above her own. She made every day a joyous occasion and her kitchen and home were always full of family, friends, and laughter. She was a gourmet chef and her meals were often attended by others who clamored for her Italian specialties and begged her to open a restaurant.

She was stoic in times of great loss and a powerful example of how to move forward and survive even the most challenging of times. She lived every day trying to make the world a better place.

Visitation will be held at Preston Funeral Home, 153 South Orange Ave in South Orange on Wednesday, Oct 22^nd  from 4-7 pm.

Funeral Service and Burial on Thursday Oct 23^rd will be private.