Susan Giuliano, Longtime Berkeley Heights Business Owner and Co-Founder of Tee Bag, Dies at 81

Susan Giuliano, co-founder of Tee Bag custom apparel shop and a dedicated community volunteer in Berkeley Heights, died peacefully on July 15, 2026, surrounded by family. She was 81.

Sue and her husband, Thomas, founded Tee Bag in 1978, building the custom apparel shop into one of Berkeley Heights' most recognizable small businesses. For decades, Tee Bag served as a neighborhood fixture where customers were greeted by name and friendships formed over years of connection.

Tom was known for his artistic talent and outgoing personality, sketching artwork behind the counter while chatting with customers. After Tom's death in 2015, Sue continued operating Tee Bag independently into her 80s despite declining health—a testament to her commitment to the business and the community it served.

Community Service

Beyond Tee Bag, Giuliano devoted considerable time to community service. She served as a Girl Scout leader and Cub Scout leader, shaping young people through youth organizations. She was a class mom, supporting her children's school community.

Giuliano and her daughter, Jill, created cancer awareness t-shirts for Relay for Life, donating countless hours with all proceeds benefiting the cause. Tee Bag donated 100% of proceeds from the sale of breast cancer awareness apparel during Berkeley Heights' Painting the Town Pink initiative. She also created t-shirts for the Nicky Strong fundraiser at Gabriele Fitness.

Early Life

Giuliano was born in Plainfield, grew up in Warren, and graduated from Watchung Hills Regional High School.

She is survived by her children, Thomas and Jill Giuliano, their families, her siblings, and many extended family members and friends.

Visitation was held Sunday, July 19, 2026, from 2 to 6 p.m. at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Boulevard, Watchung, with a funeral service at 5:30 p.m.

Memorial contributions in Sue's memory may be made to the Platelet Disorder Support Association.

FAQ

Q: Who was Susan Giuliano?
A: Susan Giuliano was the co-founder of Tee Bag custom apparel shop in Berkeley Heights and a dedicated community volunteer. She founded Tee Bag with her husband, Tom, in 1978 and continued operating it independently after his death in 2015.

Q: What was Tee Bag?
A: Tee Bag was a custom apparel shop in Berkeley Heights founded by Sue and Tom Giuliano in 1978. It became a neighborhood fixture known for personalized service and long-term customer relationships.

Q: What community service did Sue Giuliano do?
A: Giuliano served as a Girl Scout leader, Cub Scout leader, and class mom. She and her daughter created cancer awareness t-shirts for Relay for Life. Tee Bag donated 100% proceeds from breast cancer awareness apparel during Painting the Town Pink initiative and created t-shirts for the Nicky Strong fundraiser.

Q: How did Tee Bag contribute to community fundraising?
A: Tee Bag donated all proceeds from cancer awareness t-shirt sales to Relay for Life and the Nicky Strong fundraiser at Gabriele Fitness. The shop was part of Berkeley Heights' Painting the Town Pink breast cancer awareness initiative.

Q: When was Tee Bag founded?
A: Tee Bag was founded in 1978 by Sue and Tom Giuliano.

Q: What happened to Tee Bag after Tom's death?
A: After Tom's death in 2015, Sue continued operating Tee Bag independently into her 80s despite declining health, demonstrating her commitment to the business and community.

Q: Where was Sue Giuliano from originally?
A: She was born in Plainfield, grew up in Warren, and graduated from Watchung Hills Regional High School.