Obituary of Gerardo Petriello

Petriello, Gerardo "Cilardo" age 91 of Haledon passed peacefully in Wyckoff on April 7th, 2020. Beloved husband of sixty four years to the late Yolanda (nee DePascale) Petriello (2019) and loving Father of Gerardo R. Petriello of Parsippany and Maria Yanni & her husband Michael of North Haledon. Beloved grandfather (Nonno) of Kimberly Petriello, Christopher and Nicholas Yanni. He is survived by brothers Mario and Salvatore Petriello, and sister Irma Molitieri. He joins in Heaven brothers Angelo, Antonio, and Aurelio Petriello sisters Rosa De Simone and Italia Basile. Born on November 10, 1928 in Montella, Prov. di Avellino, Italy he came to the United States in November of 1955 and settled in Paterson before moving to Haledon 45 years ago. Gerardo worked as a Mason/Project Manager for Benfatto Construction Company in Garfield, NJ before retiring in 1990. Starting in the Spring, Gerardo would begin two of his favorite passions: his tomato garden and the unwrapping and care of his fig tree. Every fall from 1955-2019, Gerardo could be found in his cellar making his homemade wine. Starting in late November he would single handedly transform his home into a Christmas wonderland, a transformation he continued well into his 80's. His laughter, zest for life and love of family & friends will be greatly missed but fondly remembered. The world is a lesser place with his passing. Out of respect and concern for public safety and the current mandate for social distancing, all services for Gerardo will be private. Arrangements are by Festa Memorial Funeral Home, 111 Union Blvd., Totowa. For more information, go to www.festamemorial.com.