Obituary of John U Puglisi

It is with great heartbreak to announce that my father, John U. Puglisi of Oakland, NJ passed away on Tuesday, November 7,2013.

John (Giovanni) was born in St. Croce Camerina (Ragusa) Italy, son of Rosa Platania and Salvatore Puglisi. After arriving in the US, he spent his early adult years in Paterson, New Jersey. 

 John soon after fell in love and married Zofia Sudol, his loving and devoted wife on August 23, 1974 – a marriage that endured just shy of 49 years. 

John and Zofia started their family in Elmwood Park, New Jersey with their two children, Rose Marie in 1975, and John Salvatore in 1979. The family relocated to Oakland, New Jersey in 1986, celebrating many memories and milestones.

To know John is to know his quirky humor, and his unparalleled work ethic. His many sacrifices were made apparent as he strived to be the best provider. John worked as a machinist at Nabisco as a dedicated employee for 24 years, working many overtime hours to give his family the best security until ultimately retiring in 2006. 

John enjoyed the simple things in his life, such as tending to his beautiful vegetable garden,especially his famous fig trees. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, and proving that he can fix anything. “There is nothing patience and determination can’t fix”, as he would frequently say. He also loved doting on his only grandchild, Lilyanna. These two shared a passion for music, as they both loved to learn and play new instruments. 

 John is survived by his wife Zofia, daughter Rose, son John, son-in-law Michael, and grandchild Lily. John was a devoted husband, caring father, proud grandfather, dear brother and uncle, and loved by other cherished extended friends and family. He will be dearly missed by all. 

May he rest in peace at the right hand of the Father. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The American Lung Association to help save future lives. 

Wake service will be held: 

Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023 4-8 pm Oakland Memorial Home 330 Ramapo Valley Road Oakland, NJ 07436 

Mass: Wednesday, Nov. 15 9:30 am Our Lady of Perpetual Help 25 Perdue Avenue Oakland, NJ 07436 

Final Rest: Christ the King Cemetery 980 Huron Road Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417