Gina Froriep

Gina Marie Froriep, 68, of Bayville, New Jersey, passed away on September 29, 2026, following a long and courageous battle with pulmonary fibrosis. She will be remembered for the warmth she brought into the lives of those around her, her generous heart, and the many memories she created with the people she loved.

Gina was born on March 26, 1958, in Orange, New Jersey, to the late Clifford and Carmela DiLea. She grew up in Irvington, where she graduated from Irvington High School in 1976, before moving to Toms River to build a beautiful life surrounded by family and friends.

On June 23, 1979, Gina married Darryl Froriep. Together, they shared 47 years of marriage and built a loving family.

Gina was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She is survived by her husband, Darryl; her daughter, Nicole Froriep Grice, and son-in-law, Jed Grice; her father-in-law, Leland Froriep; and her beloved grandchildren, Cooper, Holden, Ashton, Baxter, and Turner Grice, who brought tremendous joy and pride to her life. She is also survived by her brother, Dominick DiLea, and his wife, Maryanne, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Kyle and Billy Russell; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Dale and Pam Froriep; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Jay and Kathy Froriep; sister-in-law Toni Gratzel; and many nieces and nephews, extended family, and dear friends whose lives were touched by hers.

For 23 years, Gina was a school bus driver for Toms River Regional Schools. Her years behind the wheel were about much more than driving a bus. She became a familiar and caring presence in the lives of countless students and families. She took pride in her work and in the lifelong relationships she formed with her coworkers who loved her dearly throughout her years. Some of her favorite moments were spent hanging out with them between bus runs, enjoying good conversation, and getting together for countless card game nights. The friendships she made through her years at the bus garage became some of the most special and lasting relationships in her life.

Gina loved spending time with the people who made her happiest. She especially cherished her relationships with her volleyball friends. What began as a group of young people getting together each week to play volleyball grew into lifelong friendships filled with countless memories, sharing laughter and stories, and special times together. Her volleyball friends remained an important part of her life, and the bond they shared meant so much to her. Those friendships brought her many moments of pure joy.

Above all, Gina treasured her family. She took great pride in watching her daughter and son-in-law build their family and was a loving and devoted grandmother to her five grandchildren. Her grandchildren knew her love, her warmth, and the special place each of them held in her heart. She found happiness in time spent together, in celebrating life's special moments, and in the simple everyday memories that become the most treasured. The memories they made together will remain with her family always.

Although her final years were marked by the challenges of pulmonary fibrosis, Gina faced them surrounded by the love of her family and friends. Even through illness, she found simple joy in winning countless prizes from claw machines, scratching many lucky lottery tickets, family outings to the boardwalk, enjoying a refreshing fuzzy navel cocktail, dinners at the Anchor Inn, and cheering on her beloved Virginia Tech Hokies in football. Her strength, love, and sense of humor will continue to inspire those who knew her.

Gina was preceded in death by her parents, Clifford and Carmela DiLea, and mother-in-law, Claire Froriep.

Gina's life will be celebrated and remembered by her family and friends, who will carry her memory forward through the stories they share, the traditions she helped create, and the love she gave so freely. Gina will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

At Gina’s request, services will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, in Gina's memory.