Eugene and Cheryl Mulgrew

In Loving Memory of Eugene and Cheryl Mulgrew. It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Eugene “Geno” Mulgrew, age 71 and Cheryl “Sherrie” Ann (Abernethy) Mulgrew, age 69, on November 2, 2023. Married for nearly 50 years they were not only life partners but best friends and loving parents. Childhood sweethearts, they were raised in Bloomfield, New Jersey, and in 1981 made Barnegat, New Jersey their home. Together, they created a home filled with warmth, laughter, and love. Their unwavering bond was a beacon of love and support, touching the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing them. Eugene worked in public health for over 40 years, retiring from the Atlantic City Health Department as Chief Environmental Health Inspector in 2004. However, he continued to work seasonally as a Health Inspector for Long Beach Island. Thoroughly enjoying his work, he had no plans to retire.  He valued his interaction with the local community and felt privileged to work in a town where he considered everyone a friend. Geno loved spending time with his family, whether it was dining out with Sherrie and his children, spending time on the beach, hosting weekend long barbecues and many years of playing local rec league basketball. Geno was also known for his quick wit, often creating nicknames for friends and family. There is nothing that Geno would not do for his wife or children. He built four beautiful homes for his family, taking pride in maintaining a pristine landscape and being hands on with any project. Everything he did he did with integrity and enthusiasm. He loved the life that he and Sherrie created.

While Sherrie worked for several local businesses throughout the years her most cherished roles were that of wife, mother and friend. Sherrie was admired for her fierce cooking skills and loved to try new recipes. She had a way of making everyone feel welcome in her meticulous home and loved to entertain.   Everything Sherrie did she did with love. She was known for her commitment to family and attention to detail. Sherrie never missed a birthday, anniversary or special occasion and was always checking in on her large extended network of family and friends.  A trusted confidant, she always provided sage advice and considered a “work mom” to several dear colleagues over the years. She adored her robust friend group, which ranged from lifelong childhood best friends to constantly adding new local friends. Sherrie was truly selfless, constantly putting others before herself and willing to do anything to help her children, family or friends, including being the sole caregiver to her 99 year old mother.  There are no words that can capture all that Sherrie did or the void she will leave behind.  

Eugene and Cheryl are survived by their daughter Michelle Mulgrew of Boston, MA, son Michael Mulgrew of Barnegat, NJ, Cheryl’s mother Ann Rezza of Manahawkin, NJ, brother Don Abernethy and his wife Marylee of Vero Beach, Florida and Eugene’s brother Edward and his wife Luana of Orlando, Florida as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Gathering at the Barnegat Funeral Home, 841 West Bay Avenue, Barnegat, NJ on Thursday November 16th from 3 to 7 pm. A Memorial Mass will follow on Friday November 17th at 11 AM at St. Mary’s Church, 747 West Bay Avenue in Barnegat. (www.BarnegatFH.com) 

May they rest in peace, together as they were in life.

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