Feliciano Zeppieri

On June 20, 1933, in Veroli, Italy, Raniero and Teresa Zeppieri welcomed a son, Feliciano. He was a cherished son and brother to Antonio, Giorgio, Lidia, Maria, and Suzie. That beautiful baby boy grew into a man who, indeed, was a gift to the world. He was a locally famous tailor and worked with many clients from Short Hills to New York City. He was always adorned with a thimble on his finger and glasses halfway down his nose, intently sewing on someone's glamorous gown or hemming an expensive pair of pants. Feliciano was married to the love of his life, Mafalda, of 60 years, and his children Nicola and Francesco. His passion was limitless, and eventually, his family grew to include daughters-in-law Melissa (Missy) and Lisette. He was also a very proud and loving Nonno to his five grandchildren, Nicole, Christopher, Francesco, Angelina, and Luciano. Time with his grandchildren was spent teaching them how to play Scopa, one of his favorite card games, or walks to Silverman's to buy candies and treats. It's no secret that, as a kid at heart, he had the perfect mix of innocence and mischief that made everyone flock to him. Surrounded by nieces and nephews at every family gathering, he always had a strong bond with the children of the family.

He had an uncanny ability that I have rarely seen replicated: When he was looking at you or talking to you, you were the most important person in the world at that moment. You had his attention, and he was sincere about hearing what you had to say. In a family as large as ours, that was a hot commodity. He was the grown-up that sat at the kids' table during family gatherings - and we loved him for it - we were always delighted to be joined by “Uncle Felix." He had this sense of wonder about the world that was infectious to a kid and envious as an adult.

Feliciano was the BEST Tombola number caller. He LOVED espresso, anything sweet, and boy, could he eat! Uncle Felix was also our Santa Claus – his thick black mustache NEVER gave it away. Chances are we all figured it out but never told him we knew. He also made the best gin and tonics that he enjoyed with family and friends on many summer evenings in his backyard in Elizabeth.

He embodied selflessness, kindness, and acceptance. He loved you no matter what. And above all else - he was the embodiment of how to live a joyful life. He was just pure JOY. Feliciano would be very proud to know that we all went into the world and spread the joy, leaving everything and everyone a little better than we found them, just like he did for so many of us.