Obituary of Diane Erhardt

Diane Marie Erhardt (née Spino) passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, after a valiant and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer on Saturday, August 23rd, 2025. She was 70 years old. She is survived by dedicated and loving husband John “Jack” Erhardt, brother Tony Spino, sons Dan Erhardt (wife, Christina), Brian and Sean, daughter Megan (husband, Mikey), and five grandchildren Patrick (8), Clare (6), Erin (5), Grace (4), and Ryan (3). Born to Audrey (née Egan) and Anthony Spino on the 4th of July, 1955 in Iselin, New Jersey, she grew up alongside sibling Tony and her predeceased siblings Vincent, and Barbara. She graduated from John F. Kennedy Memorial High School in 1973, and married Jack on October 24th, 1987. Diane worked at Rutgers University in various capacities, culminating as the Executive Assistant to the Medical Director. She was a proud & enthusiastic Target Team Member, spending 12 years, 4 months, and 18 days at the South Plainfield location in Hadley Center. While there, she earned accolades working in multiple departments, doing whatever needed to be done, and with a smile. In 2023 she added “Lunch Lady” to her resume as Bistro Manager at The Center School in Somerset, NJ, having the pleasure of working with her son Daniel, the Principal, and her husband, Jack, who worked as a paraprofessional in the Wood Shop. Of all the responsibilities and titles she held, Diane loved most being Mom and “Mimi.” She was always present. She always showed up. She could be counted on to be there, not only to celebrate her family’s major milestones, but also for life’s little things. A scrape on the knee from playing out in the backyard received the same love and attention as a graduation, wedding, or state championship. Diane was an unmatched enthusiast of home efficiency technology. Lovingly nicknamed “Gadget Girl”, she maintained ownership of 6 different Alexa speakers, an abundance of HALO Bolt chargers, 7 electric fireplaces (we counted) and other assorted gizmos. If it was an electronic product that served a very narrow and specific purpose, she owned 3 of them in multiple colors, many of which would then be flipped as gifts (insistently delivered) to her friends and family. Speaking of gifts, she simply could not be beat in her ability to give presents. It was a standing expectation for all grandchildren who visited “Mimi and Grandpa Jack’s House” to leave with a goody bag. Every Visit. Every Time. Interior decoration was a major focus of Diane’s hobbies and interests. From seemingly being eligible to complete credit-hours to attain a degree through viewing various HGTV programs, to having a reputation for sponge-painting anything in a room that did not move for more than 2 consecutive minutes, she cultivated her artistic and organizational acumen in this arena. Beyond her immense and ardent love for her friends and family, one of Diane’s true passions was cheering on The New York Football Giants. Her most cherished moment as a Big Blue megafan was watching Eli Manning orchestrate his dramatic last minute touchdown drive to win Super Bowl XLII over the New England Patriots in 2008. Diane’s life was full of gadgets, gifts, games, and Giants — but most of all, it was full of love. Her family takes comfort in knowing that while she may no longer be here in person, her voice will always remind them to “show up, love hard, and cheer loud.” In lieu of flowers, the family would like to direct individuals to make a monetary donation in Diane’s memory to The Center School Foundation which funds various programs and resources on behalf of children with special needs. Checks can be made out to “The Center School Foundation”. Alternatively, you may click this link to make a contribution online. https://givebutter.com/bFYRHh The Center School is located at 2 Riverview Drive, Somerset, NJ 08873. A Celebration of Life is planned and details will be shared outside the publication of this obituary.