The Garibaldi Group‘s John “Jay” Garibaldi, 77, of Scotch Plains, passed away Sept. 3, according to his obituary and an announcement Thursday by his brother, company CEO Jeff Garibaldi.
Jay Garibaldi was a key member of the leadership team at the 104-year-old, Chatham-based firm that bears his family’s name. His career in real estate spanned nearly 60 years and his accomplishments were significant. He had earned the highest respect of his peers — many of whom became dear friends — for his unwavering commitment to ethics, morals and professionalism.
Garibaldi was an Army veteran of Vietnam, receiving a Purple Heart before being honorably discharged in 1970. For all he had and eventually would go on to accomplish in life, his service to our country is what he was most proud of, second only to his family.
He went on to play a pivotal role as partner of the Garibaldi Group, a family-owned business founded in 1919 by his grandfather. With his father, Bud, and siblings, Joseph III, Patricia, James and Jeffrey, he successfully led the firm to become one of the preeminent family-owned real estate firms in New Jersey and around the country.
Armed with incredible work ethic and business acumen, he also launched his own property management company, GRC Consulting.
Garibaldi was philanthropic, and devoted time and energy to charities. He helped support the Children’s Specialized Hospital and sat on the board of directors for the Make-a-Wish Foundation. He was responsible for leading and organizing many of its fundraising initiatives.
He is survived by his wife, Carol Arendt Garibaldi; his sons, Christian and Ryan; his daughter-in-law, Gwendolyn; his siblings, Patricia, James and Jeffrey; and many cherished nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation N.J.
