Obituary of Gloria Jean Covino

New Brunswick, NJ

Gloria Jean Covino, age 82, of New Brunswick, passed away on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.

Born at St. Peter’s Hospital on September 28, 1942 in New Brunswick, Gloria was raised on 7th Street by her loving parents, Michael and Josephine Covino. She graduated from New Brunswick High School and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education from Rider University.

Gloria began her career as a dedicated teacher at New Brunswick High School, where she inspired countless students with her passion for education. In 1986, she became a founding committee member of Dance Power, a partnership with Dr. Penelope Lattimer and American Repertory Ballet that provided 40 annual scholarships to students, promoting access to dance and the arts.

Her career also included 13 years as Government Affairs Manager at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, where she championed health initiatives and community outreach. Later, she founded Energy Fundraisers and Event Planners, her own successful event planning company, which she led for 12 years. Gloria earned her Certified Event Planner certification from George Washington University in Washington, D.C., further reflecting her drive for professional excellence. Her kind and generous heart will be tremendously missed by all who knew her.

Gloria is survived by her loving daughter, Joy and husband Edward Letts; her dear son, Michael and wife Theresa Stoop; and her cherished grandchildren: Zachary, Samantha, Jonathan, Daly, and Peter. She will be remembered for her unwavering commitment to education, the arts, public service, and most of all, her family.

A viewing will be held on Sunday, June 29^th from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at Bongiovi Funeral Home in Raritan, NJ 416 Bell Ave, Raritan, NJ 08869.

 A funeral mass will follow on Monday, June 30^th at 2:00 PM at Parish of the Visitation formally St. Mary’s Church in New Brunswick, NJ (190 Sandford St., New Brunswick, NJ 08901.

Committal will be private, and Gloria will be buried with her parents at St. Peter’s Cemetery at a later date.

“Forever in our hearts”