John Gulino

Born and raised in Hackensack, New Jersey, to first-generation Italian Sicilian parents, Carmen and Frances Gulino, John Gulino was a man whose life was as rich in achievement as it was in love. As the eldest of his siblings, John embraced responsibility early, embodying the role of protector and provider throughout his life.

John's leadership journey began at Hackensack High School, where his athletic prowess shone brightly. As captain of the football team, he was celebrated for his speed and tenacity, achieving All Bergen County honors in 1959.

After high school, John served with distinction in the Army, stationed in Stuttgart, Germany. Mementos from his service—a set of Rosenthal china, a cuckoo clock, and a watch—remain cherished family heirlooms.

Returning to the States in 1965, John joined his father and brother Carmen at Emerson Concrete, which soon became Emerson Paving when they started branching out into asphalt. Their younger brother, Joe, joined them after he graduated from high school. Each sibling played a pivotal role: John as president and salesman, Carmen leading operations and maintenance, Joe providing stable support, along with Nadine Gulino managing the business side. Together, they built a fine reputable business.

In 1967, John returned to Emerson and married Margery Pavese, whose family lived around the corner. They settled into a town rich with family from both sides and started their own. They raised Margery Jr. and John Jr., with love, laughter, and the occasional confusion of sharing first names.

Their journey together faced a heartbreaking turn when Margery Sr. was diagnosed with a prolonged illness. During her illness and after her passing, John found himself thrust into the unforeseen roles of caregiver and eventually single father, tasks he had never anticipated nor prepared for. He tackled these challenges with resilience and dedication, his profound strength and tireless work ethic becoming the backbone of their family life.

John found renewed love and happiness with Phyllis, blending families and building a life together over 34 years. They constructed their dream home, traveled the world, fished, drove across America, and hosted countless dinners. Their life was a tapestry of shared adventures and quiet moments.

John was an extraordinary grandfather, affectionately known as Poppy to Beckett and Pop Pop to Natalie, Lindsay, and Lucas. He was a role model for loving grandparenting, always finding ways to make his grandchildren laugh, attending their sporting events, teaching them to fish using salami as bait, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

John's storytelling became legendary among his nieces and nephews during trips to The Farm. Willingly the lone adult, he camped at the pond among 20 kids, excelling at telling tales of the White Lady, stories so chilling that they remain legendary even now as the children have grown into adults.

John also inherited a mastery of cooking from his mother, delighting family and friends with legendary meals all prepared without a recipe.

Generosity was a cornerstone of John’s character, reflecting the values instilled by his parents through acts of kindness, both large and small.

John’s final years were marked by a valiant struggle with Alzheimer's disease. He fought with characteristic determination, walking many miles daily and believing that movement was medicine. Even as his memory faded, the essence of who he was—a fighter, a leader, a loving husband, father, and friend—remained intact.

Predeceased by his first wife, Margery Pavese Gulino, and his parents, Carmen and Frances Gulino, John leaves behind his wife, Phyllis; his daughter, Margery (Carlos Puig); his son, John Jr.; stepchildren, Michelle (Brett Young) and Vincent Pannizzo; grandchildren, Natalie, Lindsay, Lucas, and Beckett Puig; siblings, Carmen (Nadine), Joe (Linda), and Camille (Sal Marsilla); and a community of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

John’s legacy is as straightforward and enduring as the life he led. Grounded in hard work, devotion to family, and a penchant for storytelling, he leaves behind a path marked by integrity and laughter. To those who knew him, John was a steadfast presence, always ready with a supportive word or a hearty meal. His influence is etched not only in the businesses he built and the roads he paved but in the quiet moments of guidance and joy he shared with his loved ones.

A visitation for John will be held Tuesday, May 21, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, NJ 07675. The Funeral Mass celebrating John's life and faith will be held on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at 10AM at Church of the Assumption, Emerson, NJ followed by the committal service at Westwood Cemetery, Westwood, NJ.