Denise Pierro

Denise Marie Pierro, 69, of Toms River, NJ passed away Wednesday, January 26, 2022 at Community Medical Center. Born in Newark, to the late William and Mary Whalen, Denise resided in Bloomfield before moving to the shore area in 2001. Denise enjoyed a career as a phlebotomist for approximately 20 years. She left her position at Summit Medical Associates in 1995 when she could no longer keep up with the physical demands.

Denise loved animals, especially the family dog Maggie. She studied zoology at Rutgers University before pursuing a career in the medical field. She had strong faith in God and was involved as an Eucharistic Minister with Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Montclair for many years. She also enjoyed the beach and had an eye for photography. She cherished vacations with her family in Wildwood Crest.

Denise is survived by her daughter, Jessica Pierro, her siblings, Kathy Leonardis and William Whalen Jr, and her ex-husband and caregiver Anthony Pierro. She also leaves behind her niece Jillian Leonardis and nephew Albert Leonardis.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on February 11th at St. Martha’s RC Church Point Pleasant at 11am. Cremation was under the direction of Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home, Toms River.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Denise’s name may be made to: The Michael J. Fox Foundation or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.