After her sudden passing, her colleagues and community honored the late Hoboken Council President Jen Giattino.
Known for her kindness, hard work, and dedication, she made Hoboken a better place for everyone.
Her legacy of service, compassion, and leadership continues to inspire everyone who knew her, reminding the city of the power of working for the good of others.
- Jen Giattino’s dedication to improving Hoboken touched the lives of many, from helping the homeless to upgrading local parks.
- Her sudden passing at 53 years old left Hoboken mourning the loss of a leader and friend who always put people first.
- Jen’s work and values inspire the community to strive for kindness, fairness, and unity.
Honoring the Life of Jen Giattino
Hoboken recently faced a heartbreaking loss with the sudden passing of Council President Jen Giattino.
She was also a public servant, a mother, a wife, a friend, and someone who cared deeply for her community.
And her passing at 53 has left a void that is hard to fill.
At the Hoboken City Council’s first meeting after her death, the atmosphere was heavy with grief.
A photo of Jen and a bouquet of flowers were placed on her seat as a reminder of the incredible person and leader she was.
The meeting opened with a moment of silence, and council members shared their memories of Jen in heartfelt words.
Jen’s Legacy of Hard Work and Kindness
Jen Giattino was first elected to the Hoboken City Council in 2011 and served four terms.
Her leadership focused on making real changes that improved people’s lives.
She worked on projects that upgraded playgrounds across the city, created better dog parks, and expanded composting programs.
Jen also helped find housing for homeless people and veterans, which clearly shows her deep compassion for those in need.
She was always ready to help with small, everyday issues that mattered to residents.
Jen was known for knocking on doors, listening to concerns, and solving problems.
For her, public service was always personal, and her approach earned her respect and admiration.
Her efforts were repeatedly recognized by voters, even in tough elections.
Despite losing a mayoral race in 2017, she bounced back stronger, winning her most recent council seat with two-thirds of the vote.
A Heartfelt Goodbye from the Community
Jen’s sudden passing left Hoboken in shock.
Her colleagues on the council, many of whom worked with her for years, shared how deeply they will miss her.
Council members spoke about her honesty, kindness, and ability to bring people together, even in a political environment that could often be divisive.
They shared personal stories of her support and compassion, calling her the heart of their team.
Her husband, Joe, expressed his grief in a statement, describing her as the love of his life and a dedicated mother to their three sons, Joey, Jack, and Alex.
He asked for privacy as their family mourns, but he also shared his pride in Jen’s incredible impact on Hoboken.
Jen’s loss was felt beyond Hoboken as well.
Congressman Rob Menendez Jr. honored her in the U.S. House of Representatives, calling her a “pillar of the community” and urging others to follow her example of generosity and care.
Carrying the Torch Forward
Jen made a huge difference in Hoboken, and her sudden passing has left many wondering, “How can anyone fill such a space?”
The truth is, no one can replace her.
However, her colleagues and the community can carry on her work by following the values she lived by: compassion, fairness, and doing what’s right.
State law requires that her council seat be filled through either a temporary appointment or a special election.
But Jen’s mark on the council and the entire city will never fade.
Inspiring the Future
Jen Giattino leaves behind more than memories; she leaves a legacy of kindness and action.
Her work improved Hoboken in many ways, but her greatest gift was her ability to unite people.
She inspired others to care, to listen, and to take action.
As Hoboken moves forward, the community will continue to honor her memory by living as Jen did—with compassion, generosity, and a deep commitment to making a difference.
Rest in peace, Jen.
Hoboken will never forget you.
