John Pedulla

John Marcus Pedulla, 60, was called to his Eternal Home on Good Friday, April 18, 2025, in Staten Island, New York, after a valiant battle with cancer. A man of deep faith, boundless generosity, and remarkable intellect, John touched the lives of countless individuals throughout his lifetime as a priest, teacher, mentor, and friend.

Born on May 10, 1964, in New York City, John demonstrated an early aptitude for mathematics, a love of athletics, and a profound devotion to his Catholic faith. He pursued his academic passions at Fordham University, earning a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics in 1985. His love for learning and service led him to spend two years at Fordham Law School before discerning a call to the priesthood. John continued his theological studies at St. Joseph's Seminary in Yonkers, New York, where he earned a Master of Divinity degree in 1993. That same year, John was ordained a Roman Catholic priest for the Archdiocese of New York by John Cardinal O'Connor. He began his ministry as a pastoral associate at St. Patrick's Church in Staten Island, where he shared the sacraments and his unwavering faith with parishioners. Later, he brought his passion for education to Monsignor Farrell High School in Staten Island as a mathematics teacher. John baptized many into the family of God, including several of his nieces and nephews. For a number of personal reasons, John requested and was granted a dispensation from the priestly state. Embracing a new chapter of his life while maintaining his devout Catholic beliefs, he became a certified teacher and dedicated many years to educating students at Susan E. Wagner High School in Staten Island.

His commitment to nurturing young minds remained steadfast throughout his career. John's life was rich with interests beyond the classroom and church. His natural affinity for numbers extended into games of chance; he especially enjoyed playing blackjack and dice games alongside his late father. An accomplished golfer, John was named MVP of the Fordham University golf team during his undergraduate years-a testament to both his skill and competitive spirit. John also possessed a remarkable talent for home improvement projects. His passion led him to earn a contractor's license and establish Pedulla Construction, a business that flourished under his capable hands in recent years. Above all else, John lived his life guided by compassion and generosity. He treated every person as a beloved child of God, making each individual feel uniquely valued and cherished. His warmth and kindness resonated deeply with all who knew him.

John's legacy lives on through his beloved wife Margherite; his devoted mother Maria Pedulla, La Porte, IN; his beloved brothers Dominic (Bernadette) Pedulla, Edmond, OK, and Joseph (Lisa) Pedulla, Monroe Twp., NJ; his only sister, Mary (John) Lake, La Porte, IN; and his stepdaughter Nicolle Mora. He was also a cherished uncle to twenty nieces and nephews: Rita (Jonathan) Slominski, Joseph John (Hope) Pedulla, Robert (Rachel) Lake, Claire Pedulla, John F. (Daisy) Lake Jr., Edmund (Madi) Pedulla, Patrick (Catherine) Lake, Mary (Stephen) O'Hern, Maria Lake, Brendan Pedulla, Joseph Pedulla, Annabelle (Benjamin) Ruszkowski, Vincent Pedulla, Sean Pedulla, William Lake, Ian Pedulla, Ciaran Pedulla, Christian Lake, Dominic J. Pedulla, and Christina Pedulla. Additionally, he leaves behind numerous great-nieces and great-nephews who will carry forward the memory of their beloved Uncle John. He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph T. Pedulla, MD.

A Funeral Mass celebrating John's temporal and eternal life was presided over by Most Reverend Gerardo Colacicco on April 24, 2025 at Our Lady of Pity Church, 1616 Richmond Avenue in Staten Island, with graveside services by Rev. Thomas Lutz following the Mass. John's life was one marked by faithfulness, service, intellect, and love-a legacy that will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him. Memorial donations may be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY. May his memory be a blessing and bring comfort to those who mourn his passing.