Obituary of Gilda Louise Saphire

Gilda Louise Saphire, née Carlesimo, 89, of Lakewood, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at the family home of her daughter-in-law Kathy, on March 24, 2024. Born in Newark, NJ to Onorio and Triestina Carlesimo, Gilda graduated from East Side High School, where she met her lifetime love, Emil. This began their 70-year love story. Married in 1956, they were a living example of their vows, moving through good times and bad as one; and their love for each other never dimmed. Gilda worked for the Matawan Regional School District for over 30 years before joining Emil in retirement. It was the start of a second honeymoon they were blessed to share for 23 years. Outgoing and gregarious, Gilda was always ready with a funny or surprisingly spicy story. She and Emil enjoyed the company of good friends, taking cruises, and regular trips to Atlantic City. Those early morning drives to “AC” would include sharing coffee in the car and a kiss for luck in the casino lobby. Gilda created cherished memories with every holiday meal, or Sunday barbeque. Each summer, she and Emil treated their family to a week at the beach where she cherished her morning snuggles with the grandbabies. Gilda was predeceased by her husband, Emil J. Saphire, her son, Joseph E. Saphire, and her brother Erminio Carlesimo. She is survived by her beloved daughter-in-law Kathleen Saphire, and her daughters Lynn Klionsky and her wife, Alyson Parker, and Lisa McGonigle and her husband Michael McGonigle. Gilda’s love will endure through her eight grandchildren and their spouses: Joe, Jr & Claire, Amy & Sam, Christopher & Claire, Jessica & Brian, David & Julia, Adam & his fiancé Savannah, Katie & her fiancé Shelby, and her youngest grandchild, Liam, and her seven great-grandchildren: Matilda, Olivia, Dylan, Anita, Theo, Ada and Marlow. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at 11:00AM at The Church of St. Ann, 1253 Lawrenceville Rd, Lawrence Township, NJ 08648. Visitation will be held Tuesday morning from 10:00-11:00AM at the church. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Gilda’s memory to Millhill Child and Family Development, 101 Oakland St, Trenton, NJ 08618 www.millhillcenter.org