Dorothy E Nigro

Dorothy Elizabeth (Fitzgerald) Nigro, 88, of Closter, passed away on Monday, September 30, 2024, surrounded by loving family. Devoted to her family and faith, she will be remembered for her roles as wife, Mom, “Mamama” and loving sister, as well as for her love of dancing, goofy rhymes, carrot cake with lots of nuts, and her church community. Born on July 19, 1936 to Elizabeth (Lappin) and John “Jack” Fitzgerald, Dorothy grew up in New York City. As a child she enjoyed spending time with her family, including her many aunts, uncles and cousins. A special memory was picnics under the Little Red Lighthouse along the Hudson. She attended Cathedral High School and went onto Bellevue School of Nursing where she made lifelong friends. After graduation she worked as a nurse for Visiting Nurse Service; in later years she capped off her career working at the Adult Daycare in Dumont. Dorothy married Joseph Nigro in 1960, and they were happily married for 63 years. Together, they built a wonderful home and family. Moving to Closter in 1963, the family became members of St. Mary’s Church, eventually joining St. Therese Parish in Cresskill. Joe and Dot were active participants and leaders in the Marriage Encounter program. They enjoyed traveling around the country with Elderhostel and cross-country skiing in Vermont. She also volunteered as a CCD teacher and with the Girl Scouts, as well as cheering for (and driving to and from) her children’s many athletic events. In subsequent years, she cheered her grandchildren on in all their pursuits, be it baseball or football games, dance recitals, graduations, award ceremonies, and enjoyed all of her moments with family. Dot was also an active member of the Woman’s Bible Sharing group at St. Therese. Dorothy was predeceased by her dear husband, Joe. She is survived by five children; Felicia Ballard, Virginia (Paul) Mickolajczyk, Joseph (Megan) Nigro, John (Wendy) Nigro and Beth (Steve Wilson) Nigro. She is also survived by her grandchildren, who love her dearly; Kaitlyn (Alex) and Christopher Connelly; Phoebe, Luke and Jake Ballard; Jack, Tim (Mars) and Sam Nigro, Sara and Rebecca Nigro, and Kimberly (Joe) Gilmore. She is also survived by her dear sisters, Helen (Harry) Tucker and Josephine Kavanagh, and sister-in-law Agnes Nigro. She was predeceased by her parents, her granddaughter Sophie Ballard, her sisters Elizabeth Grisolia and Kathleen Thompson, and beloved brother, Brother Brendan Fitzgerald, as well as sister-in-law, Rose Nigro, and brother-in-law, Nicholas Nigro. She is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews as well as extended family and countless friends, many of whom have been so very loyal and supportive over the past year as she navigated life missing Joe. Special thanks as well to Valley Hospice for their superlative care. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. No one loved her family more than Dorothy Nigro, and that love was reciprocated and will continue as her legacy. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Closter Ambulance Corps , 72 Ruckman Road, Closter, New Jersey or to the Valerie Fund, 2101 Millburn Avenue, Maplewood, New Jersey, 07040