Volunteer for Peace and Justice

Florence Giammarino (nee Begina) passed away peacefully in the presence of her loving family on October 21, 2011 at The Cupola in Paramus.

She was a resident of Haworth, before moving to Hackensack. Florence was a psychotherapist in private practice and at the Wayne Mental Health Center.

She was a volunteer leader for peace and social justice organizations and church groups. She and her late husband, Louis Giammarino, created and then led the Bergen County Chapter of Pax Christi USA for many years. She wrote about theological and social justice issues, and her articles and editorials appeared in numerous publications.

She was born in Brooklyn, graduated from St. John’s University, and received a Master’s degree and further training in psychotherapy.

Earlier in her career, she was an English and Philosophy teacher and worked at the United Nations. She and her late husband met at St. Thomas More Society meeting in New York City. 

She is survived by her children, Ann-Marie Desplat of River Edge, Mary Giammarino of Nyack, NY, Teresa Giammarino of Largo, Florida, John Giammarino of Ramsey, and David Giammarino of Hackensack; and four grandchildren, Christine and Jennifer Desplat, and Emma and Alexandra Anderson; and son in law Patrick Desplat.

In lieu of cut-flowers, memorial donations may be made to Pax Christi USA at 1225 Otis Street NE, Washington DC 20017.