Fred Cerbo Obituary

CERBO
Fred, a lifelong resident and former Mayor of Hackensack, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 24, 2012 at the age of 87 years. He graduated from Hackensack High School in 1943 where he was named All State Baseball Pitcher. An Army Veteran of World War II, he served in the 35th Infantry under the command of General George Patton. After the war he played minor league baseball, and became the Hackensack High School Baseball Coach in 1955, and St. Mary's High School Baseball Coach in 1956. Prior to retiring in 1980, he had an extensive career with the United States Postal Service, beginning as a letter carrier in 1946, becoming a customer service representative in 1970, and manager of retail sales and service in 1975. He began his public service career with the Hackensack City Council and was elected and served as Mayor from 1981-1989. In June of 1982 he served as a Bergen County Freeholder. He wrote "My formula is Service to God, Service to People and Good Old Fashioned Hard Work." He was a parishioner of St. Joseph's R.C. Church of Hackensack. He was a member and past president of the Troast Athletic Club of Hackensack, which named him Civic Man of the Year both in 1964 and 1980. He also was the recipient of the Hadassah Service Award in 1982, and Man of the Year Award from both the City of Hackensack for Baseball of Hackensack in 1965, and Hackensack High School Alumni in 1966. In 1971, he was inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame at Hackensack High School, and the Bergen County Baseball Hall of Fame in 1975. He was past president of the Hackensack Board of Education, director of the Bergen County Action Program, and served on the Hackensack Planning Board, Public Library Board, Youth Guidance Council, Hackensack Welfare Board, and the Bergen County Transportation Coordination Committee. He also was an organizer of the Hackensack Recreation Committee and the Rent Stabilization Board. He was a member of the Bergen County Mayor's Association, the Coalition of Concerned Citizens of Hackensack, the National Letter Carriers and Federal Retired Employees Associations, Past President and member of the Hackensack Chapter of Unico, Hackensack High School Alumni Association, the American Legion, V.F.W., Am-Vets, Baseball of Hackensack, and Hackensack Little League.
Beloved husband of 60 years to the late Alice J. (nee Byelat) 2007. Loving father of Fred A. Cerbo and Richard L. Cerbo, both of Hackensack. Grandfather of Melissa. Dearest brother of Angelo Cerbo, Aldo Cerbo, and the late John Cerbo and Louis Cerbo. Fred is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. The Funeral on Thursday, August 30th, at 8:45 AM from the G. Thomas Gentile Funeral Home, 397 Union Street, Hackensack. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph's R. C. Church, 460 Hudson Street, Hackensack at 10 AM, with burial following at Maple Grove Park Cemetery, Hackensack. The family will receive friends on Wednesday evening from 6-9 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Troast Athletic Club Inc., 74 Troast Street, Hackensack, New Jersey 07601, would be appreciated. To send condolences, directions or further information visit www.gentilefuneralservice.com

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Published by The Record/Herald News from Aug. 27 to Aug. 28, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Fred Cerbo

4 Entries

Cynthia Ryan

September 6, 2012

During my years as an activist in Hackensack, you could always count on Mayor Fred Cerbo to help with issues regarding the blind, handicapped adults, seniors and tenants. He was a loyal and caring politician. A light has left the firmament of Hackensack.

Liz Ryan

September 6, 2012

When I graduated as valedictorian of my class at HHS, then President of the Hackensack Board of Eductation, Fred Cerbo, wrote me a congratulatory letter. He congratulated my mom too. It meant a lot to me that he included her, especially as she was a single mom in a wheelchair at that time. They knew each other only slightly, but, as we later learned he did with everyone, he kindly took a personal interest in us. He sent a congradulatory note when I graduated college. As mayor, he married me five years later. I felt it was only right to return the favor with a congratulatory letter when he graduated college in his 60s. And thus began a lifelong exchange. He became a dear family friend. Ever kind, and ever thoughtful, he never ceased to send notes of encouragement when times were tough, with an inspirational thought, a joke or prayer enclosed. He told me he prayed for me, and for my mom. I prayed for him, too, and I still do. To me, he will always be Mayor Cerbo. In losing him, we have lost an exceptional person, who did his best to foster hope, and lighten the hearts of others.

Bernadette Magnifico

August 28, 2012

Thank you for being a great grandfather to Sara and Aidan, and grandfather to Melissa. Alice came to greet you into heaven. God Bless you always.

Sharon Cerbo Schwartz

August 27, 2012

Uncle Fred was a true "Icon" His strong dedication and the many services he performed made him a giant in whatever he chose to do. His passion was to help people all over and his excellence did not go unoticed. I still remember as a little girl, watching him deliver mail, waving to everyone as he went by. So many fond memories that will never be forgotten. You will be sorely missed Uncle Fred, rest easy.

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