Virginia R. DeGraw

Ginny was born on January 9, 1929, in Shrub Oak, NY, as a middle child of Henry and Myrtle Schwinge. She loved to cook, hosting many large family gatherings and celebrating holidays. Her cleverly designed theme parties always included her sought-after Italian cooking as well the ever-changing theme-based dishes.

Ginny grew up in Secaucus, NJ, where her parents raised her with two siblings, Madeline McClure and Henry (buddy) Schwinge. She married Bernard Scaglione, and started her family in Cedar Grove, NJ. Later in life she married Everett DeGraw from West Caldwell.

Ginny believed strongly in education, earning two Master’s Degrees. She obtained her first at Rutgers University in Social Work, and her second in Human Sexuality at Caldwell College. Ginny’s dedication to helping others was strengthened by her studies. Even into her 80’s, she continued her education at Widener University.

Ginny was the owner of Ginny II Bridal Shop of Cedar Grove and Verona, NJ, where she enjoyed working with brides and preparing them for the next steps in their lives. After retiring, she worked as a bookkeeper and office manager at S & S Auto Repair, which is owned by her son, Keith Scaglione, until her death.

She is survived by her children: Deborah Irwin and her husband William, Bernard Scaglione and his wife Pamela, and Keith Scaglione and his wife Kathleen. She also leaves behind her grandchildren: Kathryn Irwin, Christopher Irwin and his wife Kellyann, Alyssa Scaglione and her husband Carlos Negrete, Bernard Scaglione, Jr. and his wife Samantha Foley, and Connor Scaglione. She had the joy of meeting her great-grandchildren: Carlos Joseph Negrete (CJ) and Gigi Irwin. Virginia also leaves many loving nieces, nephews, close family members, and dear friends.

A visitation for Virginia will be held at Mack Memorial Home, located at 1245 Paterson Plank Road, Secaucus, NJ, on Friday, April 10, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. Entombment will take place at Woodbridge Memorial Gardens in Woodbridge, NJ, on Saturday, April 11, at 12:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to make memorial contributions in Ginny’s name are asked to consider making a donation to The American Cancer Society or the American Society for thr Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).