Edward Petillo

Ed was the beloved husband of the late Florinda “Flo” Petillo for 61 years. Devoted father of Edward Petillo Jr. and his wife Mary of Harrington Park, Karen Larned and her husband Rich of Ogdensburg, and Cheryl Jacobi and her husband Joe of Red Hook, NY. Loving grandfather of Matthew, Michelle, and Steven Petillo, Jennifer (Larned) Edwards and her husband Chris, Lauren (Jacobi) DeAngelis and her husband Bobby, and Kelly Jacobi. Adored great grandfather of Isabella, Chloe, and Gavin. Ed is predeceased by his grandson, Michael Larned; father, Pasquale Petillo; mother, Daisy (Maresco) Petillo; sisters, Mildred Gratale, Rose Oliva, Violet Messmer, Barbara Petillo, and Judy Avellino.

Ed lived a charmed life. He served proudly in the U.S. Army having received the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal and World War II Victory Medal. He worked for Bendix Corp. in Teterboro for 35 Years before retiring at the early age of 56. Ed was an Instrument Assembler having worked on panels for aircraft as well as the first space shuttle where he often told the proud story of how he was supervised and applauded by NASA for a job well done. He excitedly would share how his name was on a plaque placed on “the moon” along with the others connected to that first shuttle. Ed was an exceptional bowler. He loved bowling and bowled competitively in a league for approximately 70 years, leaving his last one at the age of 90. Ed often came out as “top” bowler winning many championships and trophies. He also loved to travel. Ed and Flo toured every state in the country with the exception of Alaska. In addition, they toured Italy, Switzerland, and Canada. Ed mainly loved his frequent trips to Las Vegas and Atlantic City with his love, Flossy. Ed was a parishioner of St. John the Evangelist R.C. Church in Bergenfield for 29 years, and St. Maximilian Kolbe of Toms River for 31years. Ed loved to work around his yard and in his rock garden, take naps on his deck, go for long walks, and play cards, Suduko, and read his newspaper with a nice cup of coffee at his sunroom table. He was excellent at puzzles often completing 1,000 piece puzzles which beautifully adorned the walls of his garage. One of Ed’s favorite pastimes was following his stocks on the stock exchange. Ed was a caring person with a warm heart. He often would start a sentence with the phrase, “I feel so bad for…”. He also was funny and had a great personality coming out with quick funny lines all the time, making everyone smile or laugh. Ed will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

The family will receive their relatives and friends at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, NJ on Sunday, January 7 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. The Funeral Mass celebrating Ed’s life and faith will be held at Our Lady of Victories R.C. Church, Harrington Park, NJ on Monday January 8 at 10 AM. Entombment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington, NJ.