Born in Paterson to the late Nicholas and Loretta Gizzi, Angelo went on to earn his Master’s Degree in Engineering, a path that suited the way his mind worked: always curious, always building, always figuring out how things fit together and how they could work better.
In 1972, he bravely enlisted in the United States Navy where his skill and leadership carried him to the rank of Machinist’s Mate 1st Class (MM1). During his service, he earned the Rifle Marksman Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and Good Conduct Award (1st)—honors that reflected years of discipline, dedication, and work done the right way.
In 2018, Angelo retired after dedicating over 10 years as an engineer for Cartridge Actuated Devices, Inc. in Fairfield. Retirement, however, didn’t stand much of a chance against his drive to stay useful. He continued to lend his engineering know-how to his son’s business as “Head of Engineering” for Gizzi Productions, always ready to help with solving problems, improving plans, and doing what he’d always done best.
Angelo married the love of his life, Janet, on May 24, 1975, and together they built a family and a home filled with loving warmth.
Outside of work, Angelo loved taking on new projects and fixing things, guided by that unmistakable engineer’s instinct to tinker. He also knew how to enjoy a well-earned break: watching Westerns, listening to 60s music, and especially appreciating the sounds of the Beach Boys, the Temptations, and Bob Dylan.
Above all, Angelo was a comical guy who knew how to put a big smile on the faces he loved most. Born on a leap year, he never missed the opportunity to joke about his “real age,” since his birthday only came around every four years. He had a lifelong talent for making the serious parts of life steady, and the ordinary parts a little funnier.
Angelo is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Janet Gizzi; his sons, Brad Gizzi and Matthew Gizzi; and his brothers, Nicholas and Louis Gizzi. He was preceded in death by his sister, Marie Pressimone; and his parents.
All are welcome to celebrate Angelo's life with family and friends. A visitation with light refreshments will be held on Friday, August 21, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a Time of Sharing at 6 p.m. at Smith-McCracken Funeral Home, 63 High Street, Newton, NJ. A graveside service with Military Honors will take place the following day, Saturday, August 22, 2026 at 11 a.m. in the Northern New Jersey Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 75 North Church Rd, Sparta, NJ, with a repass to follow from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at American Legion Post 157 325 US-206, Branchville, NJ.
Condolences and warm memories may be offered to Angelo’s family below.
