Glen R. Pezzolla

Glen R. Pezzolla, 75, of Pompton Plains, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a life defined not by grand gestures, but by the countless quiet ways he showed up for the people around him. A simple man with a generous heart, Glen made a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
A lifelong resident of Pompton Plains, Glen planted deep roots in the community that he loved. He met Judy Soldavin in 1968 when she was working at a local department store. The moment he saw her, he knew he had to meet her, and with a little help from her friend and coworker, their story began. The two were inseparable, marrying on September 24, 1972 and sharing 53 years of love, laughter, and unwavering partnership. Together they raised two daughters, who Glen adored and spoke of with immense pride. His greatest joy in recent months came from his granddaughter, Sutton Glen, lovingly named after her "Pop Pop." She brought new light to his life, and the bond they shared in just five short months was precious.
Glen was a man of many passions. He loved classic cars and took great pride in the 1936 Ford Street Rod he rebuilt and modified. His detached garage, which was built with the help of friends and neighbors, was both a workshop and a gathering place, filled with tools, projects, and memories from generations past.
Music was another lifelong love. He always had a song in his head and his foot never stopped tapping along to the beat. Glen played bass in a high school band, The Six Pack, and decades later, the band reunited and reignited their love of music and friendship, forming On Break. The band would frequently get together to practice for local gigs and reminisce on the good old days. Glen was a solid bassist, but an infamously bad singer. That never stopped him from performing with pure joy behind an unplugged microphone stand.
He was known for saving everything. Some may say he had hoarding tendencies, but he saw it as saving out of hope that one day, someone might need it. And when they did, nothing made him happier than being able to help out and fulfill the ask. Helping others brought him genuine joy, whether it was a lifelong friend or a stranger who needed a hand.
Glen's legacy isn't one of flash or fanfare, but rather of steady, generous presence. He was the kind of man who made others feel supported, seen, and cared for. His patience, humility, and sense of humor left a mark that will be felt for years to come.
Glen is lovingly survived by his wife, Judy Pezzolla; his daughters, Jessica Pezzolla and Rachel Pezzolla and her husband Kyle Burnett; his brother, Kevin Pezzolla and his wife Maria; his cherished granddaughter, Sutton Glen Burnett; countless friends and neighbors who he considered family; and his dog Shelby, who was always by his side. He was predeceased by his mother and father, Doris and Frank Pezzolla.
In lieu of flowers, rev your car engines as loud as you can, play your favorite song on repeat, enjoy a bowl of ice cream, and make a donation to your favorite charity in Glen's name.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday, August 15 from 4-7PM at Scanlan's