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BORN
1930
DIED
2020
Ruth Pizzarelli Obituary
Saddle River - On Wednesday, April 8, 2020, Ruth Elizabeth Pizzarelli, loving wife and mother of four, died at her Saddle River home at the age of 89.
Ruth was born on December 1, 1930, in Waldwick, NJ, to Russell and Anna (Hessler) Litchult. She earned her nursing degree from St. Joseph's Hospital, Paterson, NJ, in 1952. Two years later, she married John "Bucky" Pizzarelli. Mr. Pizzarelli, the acclaimed jazz guitarist, died one week before Ruth, after 66 years of marriage.
No one cared more about family than Ruth. A woman with terrific style, she was kind, charitable and a generous friend.
Ruth was predeceased by her parents, and her sister Anna Manz. She is survived by her children: Anne (Jeff) Hymes, Mary Pizzarelli, John (Jessica) Pizzarelli, Martin Pizzarelli, by four grandchildren and by her brother Russell "Buddy" Litchult, the former Mayor of Waldwick.
Services will be held at a later date at St. Luke's Church, Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ, where she was a life-long member.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ruth Pizzarelli
Christine (Balderose) Fellner
April 8, 2025
Dear Ann, John, Martin and Mary,
Thinking of you today and wishing you peace and remembrance.
Your parents legacy lives on through all of you. Be well.
Christine
Christine (Balderose) Fellner
April 8, 2024
Thinking of you today. Knowing other's care and remember is a comfort to behold.
I do.
Christine (Balderose) Fellner
April 8, 2023
Dear Ann, John, Martin & Mary,
Hoping you find peace in knowing others are thinking of you at this time.
Ann, I remember you telling me one time on the bus how your mother taught you how to sew and that you made a coat!
That left such an impression on me as I nearly failed home economics in sophomore year with Mrs. Pratt because I couldn´t even sew two pieces of fabric together properly to make a simple skirt!
I can only imagine the endless wonderful memories you must have of your mother, (and father) if I can remember this one from many decades ago!
Memories are gifts to be opened over and over again at any time.
They are more precious than gold. Protect them...and also share them with others.
Thank you for sharing with me.
In fond remembrance,
Always,
Christine ( Balderose ) Fellner
Joan Smith
December 8, 2020
I followed Bucky and Ruth because of my love of Jazz. Now I listen to John on the Jazz music channel.
My dream was to travel to Bucky’s monthly gig in NJ. Never happened.
I was privileged at 14 years of age, to have guitarist Dick Longale teach me at his music studio in a small town in NY.
I didn’t know Dick was a jazz guitarist and taught and enjoyed playing lead with his student, Joan Ark (Arcadipane). Course rhythm was my lot in life.
Bucky, Ruth , I love you. Joanie.
Joe Mayer
May 24, 2020
What a wonderful woman and couple. Bucky was one of the last greats of Jazz guitar. It is beautiful to see a couple that spent so many years together in music bringing so much enjoyment to so many people around the world. There are many new guitar players out there that are very good but they don't have the style and class that the older masters had from many decades of honing their craft. God Bless them both and thank you both for your talent, dedication and love. I wish all in the family of Bucky the best and to be proud to be related to such a brilliant musician and man who was blessed with a loving woman for 66 years. He will be missed deeply in the guitar community. God Bless him and his family!
Alma Zollo
May 2, 2020
Dear Anne and family. We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your parents. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Alma and Bob Zollo
Edith Dlugokencki
April 28, 2020
Dear family,
Our deepest condolences on the recent loss of your parents. My Mom, Edith Bruno and your dad went to grammar school together in Paterson. We were blessed to hear him play several times in central Jersey over the last 20 years. They were able to share a few grammar school memories after his concert at the Trenton War Memorial. Our prayers are with all of you.....your parents are your new guardian angels.
In sympathy,
Diane and Ray Tucholski and Edith (Bruno) Dlugokencki
April 24, 2020
To Ann and the Pizzarelli Family- my heartfelt condolences. I was very saddened to learn of the loss of your parents and hope that in time you will find comfort in their memory.
I recall them to have been very welcoming to me in their home while in college at MC and after moving to Bergen county and working at UJB.
With our prayers and thoughts,
Jim McCue
Dataw Island SC
Daniel Pruiksma
April 24, 2020
My sincere sympathies in your time of losses. The Pizzarelli family was a great addition to the Saddle River culture.God bless all of you!Sincerely,Danny Pruiksma
Michele Martin
April 21, 2020
To Martin, John and entire Pizzarelli Family. So sorry to hear of your Mother and Fathers passing. Sending warm hugs and heartfelt condolences to you all during this difficult time. May the precious memories youve created and shared together carry you through. Wishing you strength, peace and healing in times ahead. Xo
Steve Taddeo
April 17, 2020
Mary and family,
Very saddened to hear of your great loss of your Beloved Mom and Dad.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Steve and Maureen Taddeo
Waltham Massachusetts
April 16, 2020
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Christine Balderose-Fellner
April 16, 2020
Dear Anne and family,
I am deeply saddened by the loss of your beloved father and your dear mother. It is NEVER easy and I join you in knowing the heartache of losing loved ones. May the precious memories you shared together carry you through, and know that, "Nothing loved is ever lost...and they were loved so much".
With deepest sympathy,
Christine Balderose-Fellner '73.
Susan Simon
April 16, 2020
Sincere sympathy to the family from a fan.
Please know that others grieve with you.
Sue Simon
Cape Cod MA
Tom and Sharlene Andros
April 16, 2020
John, Martin and families,
Please accept our condolences on the passing of both of your parents.
May their memories be eternal.
Karen Williams
April 16, 2020
John, Martin, Anne and Mary, I was deeply saddened when our mutual friend, Irene Hubin, gave me the news of both Ruth and Bucky's passing. It has been years since we lived across the street, but I think of your family fondly and how you helped my family get through the year when my dad was in Vietnam. My prayers are with you all to find peace and to enjoy the MANY wonderful memories you have of your parents. Blessings, Karen Williams
Ann Hines
April 15, 2020
Martin, Mary, I am greatly saddened to hear of the loss of mom, as well as your dad. I will miss your mom's Warm, Loving Smile, the Twinkle in her eyes and her Gentle laugh as she would hold my hand...She will be missed at Acme. I will carry these memories close to my heart.. May Christ's Love Console your family.
Christ peace. Ann (cashier)
Tyler Tamblyn
April 15, 2020
I am so very sorry for you all at the loss of your parents and grandparents. I will pray that you are able to find a place of peace.
Howard Kliman
April 15, 2020
My sincere condolences to Ruth's entire family. I will sure miss coming over for perseco.
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