Gerardo Pacillo

Gerardo "Jerry" Pacillo
Beloved husband, father, and PopPop, Gerardo Pacillo, 66, of Roseland, New Jersey, lost his battle with small cell lung cancer on the morning of July 24, 2025. He passed away surrounded by his loving wife, Cynthia, and their three daughters, Danielle, Gabriella, and Julia.
Born in Newark and raised in Nutley and Belleville, New Jersey, Jerry knew from a young age that he wanted to be someone. He was a hustler at heart, with a work ethic rooted in integrity, a trait he passed on to his younger siblings, Lucille and Michael, and later to his own children. As the founder and owner of Pacillo Mechanical Company, Jerry took great pride in his work, building many projects throughout the years.
Jerry married the love of his life, Cynthia A. Diorio, on a snowy day, January 31, 1987. The couple first lived in Bloomfield before settling in Roseland in 1997, where they built a home and a life full of love with their three girls. When Jerry wasn't at home enjoying the fruits of his labor, you could find him at the Franklin Steakhouse with friends or cruising on his motorcycle. But above all, Jerry was a family man. He loved nothing more than spending his weekends with his family either at the family restaurant, and having Sunday dinners with his family, at the table, or in the yard.
In his final months, Jerry lived life to the fullest. He traveled with Cynthia to Key West and Aruba, threw a massive Fun Day for all the grandkids, (including ones that weren't even his), complete with a bounce house, ice cream truck, and pony rides. Jerry loved to spend many Sunday afternoons surrounded by his grandkids, Gianni, Gerardo, and Freddie, listening to music, and making his Sunday Gravy.
It is a comfort to know that Jerry passed away just moments after his daughter opened the door to the backyard he so loved, leaving him to guard over the slice of heaven he created for his family.
Jerry was predeceased by his father, Michael Pacillo; his stepfather, Danny Pacillo; and his brother-in-law, Guy Fella. He is survived by his devoted wife, Cynthia A. Pacillo (Diorio); his beloved mother, Luigia Porreca Pacillo; his loving daughters and their partners, Danielle Pacillo (Edwin Olsen), Gabriella Sesso (Fred), and Julia Pacillo (Anthony Carriero); his beautiful grandchildren, Gianni, Gerardo, and Freddie. He is also survived by his cherished siblings, Lucille Fella and Michael Pacillo (Maria); his in-laws, Thelma and Glenn Hundermark; and many adored nieces, nephews, extended family members, and lifelong friends.
A memorial visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Shook-Farmer Funeral Home, 45 Roseland Avenue, Roseland, NJ 07068, shookfarmer.com. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 11:00 AM at St. Lucy's Church in Newark, New Jersey.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Shrine of Saint Gerard at St. Lucy's Church in Newark, a place of special meaning to Gerardo and his family. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Gerardo, please visit our Tree Store.