Frances Dorothy (Gagliano) Bello

Frances Dorothy Bello (nee Gagliano), a longtime resident of Wallington, passed on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. Frances was born and raised in Passaic and settled in Wallington in 1973. Frances was a woman of unshakable determination, fierce pride, and relentless drive. She was the very definition of a hardworking woman who refused to accept anything less than success-not just for herself, but for her family and those who worked alongside her. For over 30 years, Frances was a successful small business owner in the restaurant industry, operating two thriving locations in Passaic and Garfield. She employed more than ten people, led with strength and compassion, and built more than just businesses-she built second homes for many. Her work ethic was unmatched, her standards high, and her presence unforgettable. She earned everything she had, and she did it with honor. Her journey began in her teenage years at a coffee shop, where she poured more than just coffee-she poured her heart into every shift. It was there she met her future husband, Jack James Bello, and began building the life she dreamed of. Throughout her life, Frances took on many roles-factory worker, supermarket employee, car rental associate-and in each, she gave her all. From assembling toy soldiers in a factory to working the aisles of A&P, she was never afraid to roll up her sleeves. Even in her later years, she refused to slow down, continuing to work with the same energy and pride that had defined her since youth. Frances was more than a provider-she was a force. A woman who hustled with grace, who rose early and stayed late, who carried burdens without complaint, and who never allowed obstacles to define her. She worked not for praise, but for purpose. Not for recognition, but for results. Her story is one of grit, sacrifice, and unstoppable resolve-a legacy that lives on in the values she instilled in her children and grandchildren. Frances Bello was and always will be, a symbol of strength, pride, and perseverance. Frances was politically affiliated and supported many prominent figures in Passaic. She was very well respected and as such, Sheriff Edwin Englehardt, inducted her as a Deputy Sheriff in the County of Passaic. She was a force-fierce, funny, and full of life. Whether she was sitting around the table playing cards or gathering for a meal, she always brought a spark. She didn't just play cards, she *dominated*. Frances had a strategy, a twinkle in her eye, and somehow, always a winning hand. The family all joked that it was luck- but knew it was skill, and maybe a little bit of magic. And Scrabble - She would come up with the most bizarre words, and everyone would groan and pull out the dictionary, convinced she was bluffing. But time and time again, she was right. She had a way with words, just like she had a way with people. Seaside Heights was one of her happy places. Frances would walk the boardwalk, eyes scanning the stands like a hawk, ready to win big or at least make the people running the games nervous. She brought the same competitive spirit there that she did at the card table-and just as much laughter. Going out to eat was never just a meal-it was an event. Frances would chat with the servers like old friends and of course, always ask for a generous side of lemons. It became a running joke. She had her ways, quirks, and her dear family loved every one of them. Frances taught her family a lot-how to live with joy, how to laugh often, and how to never underestimate the power of a well-played card or a well-placed word. She was strong, wise, and full of heart. Frances was the devoted daughter of the late Vincenzo James and Mary Gagliano (nee Leonardo), the devoted mother of Josephine Christina Sandberg (nee Bello) and her long term partner, Linda Loredo, Vincent Salvatore Bello and his wife, Lisa, and Jack Francis Bello and his wife, Gina, the caring grandmother of Gabriella Bello, Ryan Sandberg and his wife, Abby, Samuel Sandberg and his wife, Carly, Corey Bello, Jessica Bello, Ethan Sandberg and his fiance, Danielle, Marissa Bello, Vincent Pasquale Bello, Jack Bello Jr. and the late Antonia Bello, the loving great-grandmother of Cecelia, Lily, Charlie, Emmy, and Amelia Sandberg, the dear sister of the late Pasquale John Gagliano, and the aunt of JoAnn Predmore (nee Gagliano) and James Gagliano.

Frances Dorothy (Gagliano) Bello

June 22, 1942 - May 7, 2025