Obituary of Janet L. Piparo

Janet L. (Lesko) Piparo died peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Thursday, December 22, 2022, at her home in Monroe Township. She was 81 years old.

Born in North Brunswick to the late Michael (Pop) and Ethel (Caneel) Lesko, she lived in New Brunswick before moving to Monroe Township in 2019.

Janet was a graduate of New Brunswick High School, Class of 1960 and loved being a Zebra. She devoted her life to the service of others as an active member of St. Mary of Mt. Virgin PTA for many years. She remained a communicant of the parish, where she was a Eucharistic Minister. She continued her devotion to the parish by providing assistance to the priests and nuns whenever needed. She enjoyed friendships with the Vocationist Priests and Religious Teachers Fillipini for many years.

Janet entered the work force after raising her family as a crossing guard at Lee Avenue and Sandford Street for the City of New Brunswick and a cafeteria staff member employed by New Brunswick Board of Education before her retirement. Janet worked at New Brunswick Health Sciences and Technology High School where she took extra special care of the staff and students.

Throughout her life, Janet was the heart of the home not only for her children, but for her entire extended family. Friends and family were always welcome when in need of a meal, a place to stay, or for advice. Additionally, Janet loved watching Hallmark movies, reading books by Danielle Steele, completing word search puzzles, and singing along to The Beach Boys.

She was predeceased by her brother George Lesko; five sisters – Mary Piparo, Margaret Vargo, Ethel Giannotto, Barbara Reid and Helen Schiavone; and her best friend and cousin Rose Reap. Surviving are her husband of 61 years Russell F. Piparo; her daughter Barbara Walls and her husband Vince of Millsboro, Delaware; two sons – Russell Piparo and his wife Mary Ellen of Pikesville, Maryland and Robert Piparo and his wife Tracey of Allentown; and three grandchildren – Casey, Finnegan and Declan Piparo; her brother-in-law Charles Piparo and his wife Rose and many nieces, nephews, and friends. She was fortunate to have staff from Accent Hospice and Javine Spence, her beloved caregiver and companion, with her during her final months.

Cremation was private. A gathering of friends and relatives will be held 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM Sunday, January 8, 2023 with a wake service and eulogy to take place at 4:00 PM at Selover Funeral Home, 555 Georges Road, North Brunswick. A Memorial Mass will be held 10:00 AM Monday, January 9, 2023, at St. Mary of Mt. Virgin Church, Remsen Avenue and Sandford Street, New Brunswick.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the New Brunswick Education Foundation Scholarship Donation -New Brunswick Education Foundation (nbefonline.org) or by mail to NBEF, P.O. Box 247, New Brunswick, NJ 08903.

Janet's family sincerely thanks all who provided comfort and support in recent months. Calls, cards, visits, and prayers made a huge difference in their lives.