Paula Pugliese

Paula (Laite) Pugliese, 66, passed away peacefully at her home on July 29th, 2026. She was a cherished wife, mother, aunt and friend to all who knew her. Her bright and loving presence will be deeply missed.

Paula was born on May 15th, 1960 in Jersey City. She dedicated her life to nurturing her family including her loving husband of forty-four years and her three sons. Paula worked as a paraprofessional for the Clifton, NJ School District for several years and cared deeply for the students she supported. Paula relocated to Sparta, NJ in 2019 where she spent time doing the things she loved most. Hiking, biking, reading, watching sunflowers grow, and crafting were among the hobbies she pursued with the zeal she brought to all aspects of her life.

Paula is survived by her loving husband, Mark Pugliese Sr; three sons Mark Pugliese Jr. (Sarah), Myles Pugliese, and Mitchel Pugliese. She is also survived by her brother, Christopher (Denise) Laite and sisters-in-law, Marianne (Anthony) Genchi; Danielle (Stephan) Savastano; and Karen (Kevin) Westpy. Paula loved her nieces; nephews; grand-nieces and grand nephews and found great joy in being a part of their lives.

Paula touched the lives of many people with love, kindness, and support. Please join us in celebrating her life.

Visitation will be held at Goble Funeral Home, 22 Main Street, Sparta, NJ 07871 on August 3, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of the Lake Roman Catholic Church, 294 S Sparta Ave, Sparta, NJ 07871 on August 4, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions in Paula's memory be made the the Lakota Wolf Preserve by clicking the link below.