Obituary of Linda A. Goetz

South Plainfield – Linda A. Goetz, 76, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, after a brief but courageous battle with breast cancer.  She was surrounded by her loving family, who will carry her warmth and spirit in their hearts forever.

Born and raised in Staten Island, NY, to the late Robert and Marion Osborn. Linda settled in South Plainfield in 1979 with her husband Larry and their children and remained a longtime resident.

Linda realized early on that she had a passion for education and a love for teaching and pursued this at the College of Staten Island, followed by Richmond College, where she obtained her Master of Science Degree in Education. She was a proud stay-at-home mom and care provider for many children in the community.  When her children were in school full time, she returned to work as a second-grade teacher at the former Sacred Heart School for over 25 years where she inspired countless students with her passion for learning and her unwavering kindness. Her impact on the community was profound; she was not just a teacher but an inspiration and friend to many.

Predeceased by her husband, Lawrence Goetz, Jr. who died in 2020; son, Steven Goetz, who died in 2019; and brothers, Robert Osborn and Donald Osborn, Linda will be deeply missed by her three children, Tammy Di Loreto and husband Glenn of Hackettstown, Lori DeVito and her significant other, Scott Carroll, of South Plainfield, and Timothy Goetz and wife Emily of Washingtonville, NY. She will also be deeply missed by her seven grandchildren, Jake, Frankie & Brooke Di Loreto; Thomas & Tyler DeVito; Natalie & Bodhi Goetz. As a devoted Mom and Grandma, she filled all our lives with love, laughter, and cherished memories. She was a guiding light and source of unconditional love to us all and was the grandchildren’s biggest fan. Never missing an event; she filled the stands with her unwavering support with encouragement at every turn. Her excitement was contagious, and her presence made every competition feel more special.

Her home was always open and welcomed family and friends alike. Her greatest pleasure was surrounding herself with loving family including sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Marie and Charles DePuma, three nephews Gregg DePuma (Sarah), Thomas DePuma (Erica), and Christopher DePuma, cousins Linda and Joan Costa and six great nephews and nieces. She loved spending time with her sisters-in-law Alice Osborn and Mary Jane Osborn along with many other extended nieces and relatives as well as her loving late dog Rockie, who was always by her side and provided her with a sense of strength and comfort. 

Summer vacations with family in Ocean City, Maryland, were a highlight of Linda’s life. She treasured the moments spent with her family, creating memories by the beach and basking in the sun. Those joyful times will forever echo in the hearts of her loved ones.

Linda was always on the go and looked forward to traveling and spending time on the lake with her lifelong best friend of 60 years, Fran LaPadula (Tony). She also loved her neighborhood friends, celebrating Labor Day picnics and backyard gatherings. She especially loved her afternoon coffee and cake chats with Marleen Young and Barbara Messer. In recent years, she enjoyed being an active member of the South Plainfield Senior Center. Linda loved playing games and helped establish their weekly game day. Linda will be terribly missed and forever loved by all whose lives she touched.

Family and friends are invited to attend the visitation at the McCriskin – Gustafson Home for Funerals, 2425 Plainfield Avenue, South Plainfield, NJ, on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, from 1 PM – 3 PM and 6 PM – 8 PM.

Funeral services will be held in the funeral home on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 11 AM. Those who wish to join the family may gather at the funeral home prior to the services beginning at 10:30 AM.

Cremation and the interment of her cremated remains at Hillside Cemetery, 1401 Woodland Avenue, Scotch Plains, NJ. in the family plot will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the charity of one’s choice.