Ellen Vergona
December 12, 1947 - January 20, 2024

Ellen Cathleen Vergona, 76 formerly of North Carolina was born in Bayonne New Jersey on December 12, 1947 to Alfred and Eleanor Johnston and entered peacefully into eternal rest on Saturday, January 20, 2024 with family by her side. She is survived by her daughters Michelle Weber (Mike) of SC and Tracy Rosell (Brian) of NJ, step daughters Lisa Fobian (Mike), Danielle Parker (John) and step sons Vincent Vergona (Gina) and Michael Vergona (Kim) all from NJ, sister Christine Gural (Frank) of NJ, brother Alfred Johnston of NJ, sister Marcy Bogue of FL and Theresa Christopher (James) of NJ. She was a cherished Grammy to Jessica Smith (Bryan) of WI, Kate Weber (Riley) of MN, Kristopher Weber of NC and Brynn
Rosell of NY. She was a cherished GGMom to Wyatt Smith of WI and has many cousins, nieces and nephews who loved her; as well as her former husband John Barbarotta(Patty) of NJ.  She is preceded in death by her husband Vincent Vergona, her parents Alfred and Eleanor Johnston and brother-in-law John Bogue along with many beloved aunt and uncles. Ellen attended St. Joseph the Carpenter Elementary School in Roselle and finished her schooling at Benedictine Academy in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Along with her husband “Vinny”, she was a proud owner of Mama Gs and Vergona’s Pizzeria and Restaurant both in NJ along with Vergona’s Italian Café. After the passing of her husband, she became the store manager for Kmart in Florida and retired as the store manager for Kmart in North Carolina. She adored her two cats Punkin and Tigger and was a proud supporter of the ASPCA. She loved to play the piano and was an accomplished pianist in her younger years. One of her favorite pasttimes was getting Facetime calls from her great grandson Wyatt and listening to music, especially Josh Groban. She loved her sweets, but her favorite was “anything chocolate”. A Celebration of Life will be held in her honor at a future date in her home state of New Jersey. Her caretakers did an excellent job providing the healthcare she needed. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Brunswick Health & Rehab Center located at 9600 Number 5 School Road in Ash, NC or Lower Cape Fear LIfeCare located at 1414 Physicians Drive in Wilmington, NC.


3 Comments

  • Sue Thorning Posted January 23, 2024 2:20 pm

    I immediately liked Ellen the day my sister introduced me to her back in the 1970’s, in Tom’s River, NJ. We have been following each other on FB for years. Ellen was a sweet and genuine soul with a lovely smile and great laugh. I will miss her ❤️

  • Nora Boles Posted January 23, 2024 2:48 pm

    Ellen and I became friends when we both worked for big boys and Tom’s river. And she lived with me for a while. We had great times together and we spoke on the phone, and we did try to connect a year or so ago. But I will miss her.

  • Michelle Weber Posted January 25, 2024 11:29 am

    Well, I wrote a long sentimental post and when I went to post it, it said my post was too long. In short, my mom suffered for years. I know she is no longer in pain and I was fortunate to be able to care for her until I no longer could. She and I worked on our relationship until the day she passed. I will always cherish our time together even when it was very trying. Mom, you will be missed. I love you…….its not goodbye, , it’s so long for now.


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