Sharon A. (nee Carey) Cotugno, 63, of Franklin Lakes, peacefully went to heaven on Wednesday, November 2, 2022. She was born in Jersey City and lived in North Bergen before moving to Franklin Lakes. Sharon graduated from North Bergen High School and received her master's degree from Montclair State University. She was a teacher in North Bergen where she was a special education and art teacher. Sharon was a parishioner of Most Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church in Franklin Lakes.

Beloved mother of Grant and Giana Cotugno and stepmother of Lucas Gallo and his wife Katie Gallo. Dear sister of Debra Citro and her husband James Harte and Michael Carey and his wife Tracey. Cherished daughter of Mickey Carey and the late George Carey. Proud step-grandmother of Gianluca Gallo. Loving aunt of Shawn Citro and his wife Clare Cirillo, Taylor Carey, Michael Carey Jr., Morgan Carey, Brian Citro, Edward Citro and Matthew Harte.

She wasn't only a mother, but a mentor to all. Her bright personality stood out to everyone she came across. Sharon was a mother of three, but a mother to the community. She was the strongest, bravest, toughest women that ever walked the streets of Hudson County all the way to Bergen County. Her presence brought comfort to all her friends, her personality was contagious, and Sharon was always the life of the party. From adversity to success, she always looked for the positive in situations and brought everyone together. Sharon was the most selfless lady in the room. She always put everyone needs before herself and was always looking for the best for everyone. Sharon was a helping hand, a breath of fresh air, and a teacher to the community. No matter the circumstances, no matter the situation, she viewed every situation as coming up with a solution rather than dealing with a problem. If her legacy doesn't define it enough, Sharon has beaten all odds her entire life, and for that she has left a forever impact on all. Sharon was a warrior, a fighter and a person of the people. Her final day came way too soon, but heaven gained an angel and for those who had the privilege to know Sharon, know that her legacy will carry on for eternity.

Visitation was offered on Monday, November 7, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the Vander Plaat-Vermeulen Memorial Home, 530 High Mountain Road, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417-2913. A funeral mass was officiated by Father John Job on Tuesday, November 8, 2022 at 10 AM in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Roman Catholic Church, 25 Purdue Avenue, Oakland, NJ 07436. Entombment followed at 11:30 AM in George Washington Memorial Park, 234 Paramus Road, Paramus, NJ 07652.

For further information, directions or online condolences, please call the funeral home at 201-891-4770 or visit Sharon's tribute page vpmemorial.com