Who was Jen Giattino? Hoboken City Council President dies abruptly aged 53

Jen Giattino, who served as the President of Hoboken's City Council, passed away on November 5, 2024, at the age of 53. The news of her death was first announced by the New Jersey officials. However, the circumstances leading to Jen's demise have not been revealed until now.

Giattino began serving her fourth term in the council in November last year and additionally pursued a career in real estate and business, as per Patch. Furthermore, she was a professional ballerina in the past.

Jen Giattino's husband Joe expressed his grief while speaking to Hudson County View, describing her as an "incredible mother" and a "dedicated public servant" who always cared for the entire community. He further stated:

"Jen's unwavering commitment, kindness, and passion touched so many lives here in Hoboken. We are devastated by her loss, and I ask for privacy for our family as we try to navigate this difficult time. Thank you for your understanding and for keeping Jen in your thoughts and prayers."

Hoboken Councilman Mike DeFusco also took to his Facebook page to pay tribute to Jen Giattino with a photo where he was posing alongside her. Mike praised Jen's work over the years by saying that she had a "fearless voice", adding that she created an example for anyone involved with public service.

"Whether advocating for seniors, supporting our homeless community, or connecting with young professionals, Jen brought unmatched warmth and understanding to every interaction. Her professional accomplishments were many, yet she was grounded in her purpose and commitment to serving others."

Governor of New Jersey Phil Murphy said in a statement that he was "devastated" by the sudden passing of Giattino and remembered her as:

"A loving wife, mother of three, and devoted council member who loved her community, Jen was in public service for all the right reasons."

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Jen Giattino did not have any experience in the world of politics before serving in Hoboken's City Council

Giattino was a part of Hoboken's City Council for around 13 years. She first emerged as a councilwoman in 2011 and was supported by Mayor Dawn Zimmer at the time, as revealed by the former Sixth Ward councilman Angelo Giacchi.

Jen Giattino was associated with the New York Stock Exchange for many years. She spoke up on the changes she was willing to bring as a President of Hoboken's City Council, including construction efforts to fix a sinkhole at the Sinatra Soccer Field.

Despite being elected for the same position in 2015, she was defeated when she contested around two years later. Jen Giattino returned to the Hoboken council presidency after a break of three years in January 2024 when she was unanimously elected by her colleagues.

She expressed her happiness at the time by saying that she was waiting to work with everyone alongside the residents of Hoboken to solve the issues that still exist.

Coming to her personal life, Jen was a mother of three children born from her marriage to Joe Giattino. She owned a small internet business and served as a volunteer in different organizations. Jen was also active on Instagram where she posted pictures from the parades and other events where she participated. A few of the photos also featured her pet dog.