Amerigo "Rico" Pantuso

Born on August 7, 1932 in the city of Cosenza in the region of Calabria, Italy, Rico proudly served his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps. Following his military service, he worked for over 30 years as a teletype operator for Western Union International, contributing to the vital communications infrastructure of his time. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Greta (nee Cuevas) and cherished grandson Nicholas Anthony Negron. Rico is survived by his devoted daughter Denise Theresa Pantuso and son-in-law Waldemar Negron, son Thomas Anthony Pantuso and grandson Michael Brandon Negron. He is also survived by his sister Lucy Cindolo; nieces Diana Blackford and her husband Michael, Laura Bensen and her husband Mark; and great nephews Michael Mario and Anthony Raymond Blackford. Rico enjoyed an active life filled with simple pleasures. He found joy in playing stick ball, ping pong, softball, bowling, and cards - pastimes that brought joy throughout the years. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 2nd, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Becker Funeral Home in Westwood, NJ. A prayer service will follow at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Entombment and military honors will take place at Garden of Memories in Washington Township. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Nicholas Negron Mental Health Foundation at nnmhf.org