John “Jay” Garibaldi
By Joshua Burd
The Garibaldi Group is mourning the loss of John “Jay” Garibaldi, a longtime partner and one of five siblings who took the reins of the historic brokerage firm more than 40 years ago.
Garibaldi, 77, died Sept. 3 after a life that included a nearly 60-year career in real estate, according to his obituary and an announcement Thursday by his brother, company CEO Jeff Garibaldi. Aside from being a U.S. Army veteran, a Purple Heart recipient and a supporter of many charities, he was a key member of the leadership team at the 104-year-old, Chatham-based firm that bears his family’s name.
“He played a pivotal role in our family, being the remaining oldest in our generation since the passing of our oldest brother Joe in 1997,” Jeff Garibaldi wrote in an announcement. “He was our soul and our rock and one you could turn to for advice and counsel. Most important he cherished his family, his wife Carol, and sons Christian and Ryan and his daughter-in-law Gwen.”
According to his obituary, Jay Garibaldi was born in Orange to Joseph “Bud” and Clare Garibaldi and grew up in Short Hills. He attended Xavier High School in New York City and Villanova University ahead of serving in Vietnam, receiving a Purple Heart before being honorably discharged in 1970.
“He was fiercely patriotic and so believed in the freedom of America that he put his life on the line to protect it for all of us,” his brother wrote. “For all the amazing and wonderful things he has accomplished in life, his service to our country is one that he was most proud of, second only to his family.”
The obituary noted that Garibaldi, with his father and siblings — Joseph III, Patricia, James and Jeffrey — successfully led The Garibaldi Group to become one of the pre-eminent family-owned real estate firms in New Jersey and around the country. He also launched his own property management company, GRC Consulting LLC, partnering with Lorraine Suarez in a venture that still manages assets such as Open Space Management Association at Giralda Farms.
Jeff Garibaldi also pointed to his brother’s “insatiable” love of golf and described him as “a gentleman (who was) generous, charitable and would give you the shirt off his back.”
“He played hard and worked hard,” he wrote. “He was philanthropic and devoted significant time and his talents to support Childrens Specialized Hospital, Make-a-Wish Foundation and many other family charities. No one will ever question the fact that Jay gave back more than he received — much more.
“He was a caring and loving husband, father, brother and friend and we will miss him dearly.”
