Peter John Genova

Born in Orange, New Jersey, on June 17, 1944, Peter was the son of Patrick and Victoria (Paris) Genova. After briefly living in Montclair, his family settled in East Orange, where he was raised and educated.

Peter graduated from Clifford J. Scott High School in 1962, where he played football and baseball for the Scotties. He remained closely connected to his classmates throughout his life and valued those friendships deeply.

After graduation, Peter enlisted in the United States Air Force, proudly serving four years and attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. His service included long-term assignments in Italy and Crete, where he also represented his base in competitive softball tournaments throughout Europe.

While stationed in Brindisi, Italy, Peter reconnected with relatives from his mother’s family in Anagni, Italy. Through his efforts, enduring relationships were established between family members in the United States and Italy—connections that remain strong today. Family was central to Peter’s life and values.

Following his military service, Peter attended Seton Hall University, furthering his education in marketing before embarking on his professional career. He later worked in the export division of Ford Motor Company.

He made his home in Union, New Jersey, a town he was deeply proud to call his own. He valued its strong sense of community and took great pride in being an active and devoted member of the place where he lived and raised his family.

Peter became active in the Republican Party and served on the Union Township Committee before being elected to the New Jersey State Assembly, representing the 21st Legislative District from 1985 to 1990.

A proud veteran, Peter was deeply committed to serving those who had worn the uniform. He sponsored legislation establishing a cabinet-level department dedicated to veterans’ services and played a key role in naming the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Wrightstown, New Jersey. He received numerous honors for his advocacy on behalf of veterans, including national and state recognition from veterans’ organizations.

After his time in public office, Peter worked in executive roles with GC Services as Director of Government Affairs, where he managed state-level operations nationwide. His office was located in the World Trade Center in New York City, and he was present on September 11, 2001. He was able to escape safely and retired shortly thereafter.

Peter was admired for his wit, generosity, and steadfast loyalty to those he loved. A man of deep and enduring faith, he drew strength from his beliefs throughout his life and especially during times of challenge. His devotion to family and faith was unwavering, and he will be deeply missed.

Throughout his life, he achieved many accomplishments and took great pride in his work and endeavors. Yet above all else, his greatest joy and proudest achievement were his children and grandchildren. They were the center of his world, and the love he had for them was unwavering and profound.

He is survived by his former wife, Agnes Genova of Basking Ridge, New Jersey; their three children, Melissa Genova Castner (Craig) of Basking Ridge, Patricia Genova Alicea (Luis) of Summit, and Patrick Genova of Kyle, Texas; and his six cherished grandchildren, Ariella, Natalia, Joshua, Juliana, Anthony, and Sofia.

He is also survived by his sister, Marguerite Genova Ruggiero (Frank) of Scranton, Pennsylvania; his brother, Patrick Genova (Carol Ann) of Mountainside, New Jersey; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation will be held at McCracken Funeral Home, 1500 Morris Ave, Union, NJ 07083, US, on March 4, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Holy Spirit Church, 984 Suburban Rd, Union, NJ 07083, US, on March 5, 2026, from 10:30 am to 11:30 am.