Florence Gut

Florence T. Gut (nee Serafin), age 86 of Wayne, died on Wednesday, March 11, 2020.  With her family gathered at her bedside, she opened her eyes one last time and sang “Hail, Hail, the gangs all here” before passing into the hands of her Savior.

Flo was born and raised in Garfield, NJ where she excelled as a student, earning a place in the Garfield Academic Hall of Fame.  In high school, she was a charter member of the National Honor Society, a recipient of the Garfield Women’s Club Scholarship, and a basketball player.  She went on to William Paterson College for undergraduate education, and earned her Master’s Degree in Education from Montclair State College, as well as additional certifications from Rider College, and Jersey City State College.  Flo began teaching in the Garfield school district, and ultimately spent her entire career there, retiring after forty-four years!  She was dedicated to education and loved her career.

In 1948, when Flo was just fifteen years old, she met the irresistibly handsome Bob Gut.  The magic began instantly and their relationship flourished.  Bob became a fixture in Flo’s home, where Flo’s mother seemed to feed him several times per day!  Their romance continued long-distance as the two of them went off to college and they were eventually married on April 17, 1955 at St. Stanislaus RC Church in Garfield.  After a honeymoon to the Pocono’s, they moved to Germany so Bob could complete his military obligation.  Upon their return to the United States a few years later, Flo began her teaching career in Garfield.  Shaping young lives and making a real impact on future generations was her motivation, and she cherished her years in education.

In 1961, Flo and Bob moved to their home in Wayne, where they raised their daughter Karen.  Flo became involved with Our Lady of the Valley Church from the very beginning, is a founding member, and she’s been a devoted parishioner there ever since.  Her faith and love of God was evidenced by how she loved her family and friends.  She enjoyed large family gatherings and having the gang all together whenever possible.  Flo naturally fostered love between everyone and it showed in each relationship she enjoyed.  She has been abundantly blessed by all of their love in return, and Flo leaves this life wrapped in the warm embrace of many.

Flo is survived by her beloved husband Bob of Wayne, by her daughter Karen Giblin and her husband James of Wayne, two grandchildren; James Giblin and his wife Victoria of Colonia, NJ and Kristen Giblin of Wayne, two great-grandchildren; Charlotte and James Edward, and one sister; Joyce Koziel of Saddle Brook, and many loved nieces and nephews.  Flo was especially grateful for the special care and support she had received from her niece Barbara Zackaroff.  Flo was predeceased by three siblings; Veronica “Ronnie” Adamczyk, Rose Powers, and Walter Serafin.

Donations in Flo’s memory would be appreciated to the Roger F. Hetel Memorial Scholarship Fund, Inc., 405 Madeline Ave., Garfield, NJ 07026-2411.