Cherie La Pelusa, the wife of Bayonne 3rd Ward Councilman Gary La Pelusa, has died from COVID-19, her husband announced on social media this morning.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“My wife Cherie, died last night from the Corona virus. In the hospital, she showed steady improvement for over 10 days, before taking a turn for the worse. I feel like I lost my right arm, my wife of 28 years,” Gary La Pelusa wrote on Facebook.
“The level of hurt that me and my family feel is unmeasurable. Please pray for her soul.”
Less than an hour after posting the message, nearly 200 people had already voiced their condolences and prayers during this difficult time.
“Like losing a family member I can’t put into words how sad I am or how sorry I feel for you and the kids,” wrote Joe Sisolak.
“I am at a loss for words. I am so very sorry for your loss. I will keep Cherie you and your family in my prayers,” added Maureen Hudson Barba.
This afternoon, Mayor Jimmy Davis said he was “very saddened” by Cherie La Pelusa’s passing, crediting her involvement with the community.
“I am very saddened to learn that Cherie La Pelusa, the wife of Third Ward Council Member Gary LaPelusa, passed away after battling the Coronavirus. Cherie was a very active and concerned member of our community,” he said in a statement.
“She took part in numerous civic activities, city council meetings, and other community events for many years. On behalf of the City of Bayonne, I would like to extend our condolences to my friend Gary LaPelusa and his family.â€
As of yesterday, the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management indicated that there were 647 active cases of the coronavirus, 51 deaths, and 175 recoveries.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated with a comment from Mayor Jimmy Davis.
