Saturday, November 14, 2026
Judith Karen Brenna (neé Rizzello), age 81, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2023. A full-time resident of Marco Island since 2012, Judy was born in Trenton, New Jersey to the late Anthony and Teresa Rizzello of Morrisville, Pennsylvania.
After starting her family in the 1960s with her late ex-husband, Daniel Ralph Brenna of Trenton, Judy became a successful and highly regarded public and investor relations professional.
She was the first female reporter at The Trentonian and became PR Director for two New Jersey state political campaigns, including former State Senator Joseph Merlino and former Governor James Florio. In between state campaigns, Judy was Press Secretary for U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg. She later joined Nassau Broadcasting in Princeton, and then became Director of Investor Relations at Integra Life Sciences, followed by the Journal Register Co.
Nevertheless, the achievement of which she was most proud, was the fact that her four children all became accomplished adults and good people whom she dearly loved.
Judy lived much of her adult life in Ewing and then Skillman, New Jersey before retiring to Marco Island. Here she enjoyed the life of bridge, book club, birthday girls’ dinners, and dear friends and neighbors.
She is survived by her partner of 39 years, Joan Gerberding and her Goldendoodle Gabby; brother Anthony Rizzello and wife Diane; son Daniel and wife Aylin; son Michael and wife Carolyn; daughter Rachel; daughter Judith and husband Michael Felicetta; four beautiful granddaughters Olivia, Avery, Margo, and Abigail, as well as several nieces, nephews, and great-nieces.
In lieu of flowers, please send contributions in Judy’s name to: Avow Hospice in Naples by going to avowcares.org and scrolling down to “Donate to Our Mission.” Services will be held in Skillman and Hamilton, New Jersey.
