Obituary of Lina Schmitt

Lina Schmitt passed away at home with her daughters by her side on October 30, 2025. She was 63 years old.

Born on a farm in San Bartolomeo in Galdo, Italy, to parents Michelino and Antonietta (Monaco) Circelli, Lina and her family came to the United States and settled in Millburn, New Jersey, in October of 1966 at 4 years old. She grew up in New Providence, attending and graduating from New Providence High School, and went on to attend and graduate from Kean University. She put herself through college and began a program for secretarial skills, but at the urging of a professor, changed majors and completed a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. She was a woman of faith and was a longtime parishioner of St. Brigid Church.

Lina worked in finance for the pharmaceutical industry for over 30 years, with her most recent position at Edgewise, in Boulder, CO. She used her entrepreneurial spirit to form her own tax business, Lina Schmitt, CPA, in Far Hills, to serve others in her community. Her immense generosity can be seen through her volunteer work for various town functions and her loyalty to her clients. She was an incredibly driven woman who enjoyed her downtime reading John Irving novels and lounging on the beach in Avalon and Long Beach Island, New Jersey.

Lina believed in living life to the fullest and embracing every moment. She loved to dance and spend time with her friends, but her most cherished memories were spent with her daughters. They loved completing puzzles together, watching movies, and enjoying each other's company. The three of them enjoyed shopping, concerts, traveling and laughing together.

Lina is survived by her daughters, Lauren Paladino and her husband Jack, Stephanie Schmitt and her significant other Clay Gordon, sister Concetta (Pasquale) Agostinelli, and brothers Carmine (Edith) Circelli and  Adriano Circelli.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 5, from 3-7 PM at Bailey Funeral Home, 176 Main Street, Peapack. A Memorial Mass will take place on Thursday, November 6, at St. Brigid Church, 129 Main Street, Peapack. In lieu of flowers, donations in Lina’s memory may be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.