BRICK – Gene-Ann Pesano, a former president of the Brick Township Chamber of Commerce and a longtime civic and nonprofit leader, has died. She was 79.
Pesano, who died Jan. 21, was remembered by colleagues and friends for her dedication to the Brick community, her professional accomplishments and her commitment to service both locally and abroad.
Born in Portsmouth, Virginia, Pesano spent her childhood in Sayville, New York, as well as in Connecticut and Nova Scotia. As an adult, she lived in California and Jackson before settling in Brick roughly 35 years ago.
Her professional career spanned technology and finance. Pesano served for many years as head of programming at Johnson & Johnson and PerkinElmer, later working as an independent software developer and engineer. Prior to retiring, she worked as a financial adviser.
In retirement, Pesano remained deeply active. She founded and managed Circles of Love, a nonprofit organization that provided children’s clothing distributed to underdeveloped countries worldwide. She was also an associate member of the Vietnam Veterans of America, a past president and current member of the Brick Morning Rotary, and a former president of the Brick Township Chamber of Commerce.
Pesano was known for a wide range of personal interests, including bowling, skiing and needlework.
She is survived by her husband, Philip Pesano; her children, Matthew Bloomberg and his wife, Teresa, and Douglas Bloomberg; a stepson, Jim Williams; four siblings; and two grandchildren.
Visitation will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Jan. 30 at the Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals, 145 St. Catherine Blvd., Toms River.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations in Pesano’s name to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Condolences may be shared with the family through the funeral home’s website.
