Shirley F. Lombardo

Shirley F. Lombardo, née Foley, of Bedminster, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at the age of 95. Born July 11, 1931, in Ringoes, New Jersey, she was the daughter of the late Marion Alice (Durham) Foley and David B. Foley, Sr. Shirley's life was shaped by a deep commitment to education, family, and community.

Raised in Ringoes, NJ, Shirley was a member of Flemington High School’s graduating class of 1949, she continued her studies at Trenton State Teachers College, earning a bachelor’s degree, with an emphasis on history and geography. Her educational pursuits laid a strong foundation for her distinguished career as an Elementary School Librarian. Shirley dedicated over three decades to enriching young minds in the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District until her well-earned retirement.

Shirley’s warmth, friendliness, and outgoing nature made her a beloved presence wherever she went. She was known for being neighborly and took particular joy in forming connections—she truly knew all her daughter’s friends and co-workers, embodying a generous and welcoming spirit.

In her personal life, Shirley developed a passion for games that exercised both mind and camaraderie. An avid bridge player in her early years, she later transitioned to enjoying games of mahjong. Her zest for life and adventure was manifested in her remarkable travels. Shirley devoted herself to exploring the globe, first moving to California to see the west coast, then having journeyed across Europe, Asia, North and South America, Central America, New Zealand, Australia, and Northern Africa, and she proudly visited 49 out of the 50 United States.

The heart of Shirley’s joy, however, was her family. She held a profound love for her daughter, son-in-law, and especially her three grandchildren, who affectionately knew her as Grandma. Her devotion knew no bounds, and her pride in their achievements and lives was always apparent.

Shirley is survived by her beloved husband of 67 years, Gino A. Lombardo, whom she married on May 9, 1959; her daughter, Lisa Lombardo Claus; her son-in-law, Christopher Claus; and her grandchildren, Kieran Christopher Claus, Loughlin Ryan Claus, and Cameron Brain Claus. Her extended family includes her nephew, David B. Foley, III. She was predeceased by her brother, David B. Foley, Jr., who passed away in 1966.

A visitation will be held on Friday evening, July 31, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main St, Flemington, NJ 08822. An additional visitation will take place the following morning on Friday, August 1, 2026, from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM, immediately followed by the funeral service at Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home at 11:00 AM. Burial will take place at Prospect Hill Cemetery, 69 Capner St, Flemington, NJ 08822, at 12:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Shirley's name may be made to the Pluckemin Medical Equipment Ministry, PO Box 402, Pluckemin, NJ 07978 or by clicking here: https://ppcmem.org/support-us/financial-contributions

Arrangements are under the direction of the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ 08822. For further information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.holcombefisher.com.