Jack Chiodi

Jack Chiodi, 84, of Saddle River, NJ, passed away on April 9, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. A devoted family man, Jack was the beloved husband of Ferne Lambert and the cherished father of John Chiodi (Kim), Cathy Capawana (Jeff), and Christy Dell'Aglio (Bill). He was the proud and loving grandfather of Rachel, Jack, and Christopher Chiodi; Olivia and Will Dell'Aglio; and Jake and Charlotte Capawana.
Born in the Bronx in 1940 to Frank and Angela Chiodi, Jack was the youngest of three children and brother to Ann Robin and Rosemary Scifres. From an early age, Jack was a true hustler-shining shoes, selling Christmas trees on the streets of the Bronx, or setting up pins at the bowling alley. His relentless work ethic and determination became the foundation of the values he instilled in his children and grandchildren.
Jack spent his later childhood years in Dumont, NJ, and went on to put himself through Saint Peter's College via ROTC. He proudly served his country from 1963 to 1965 as a paratrooper in the United States Army, often sharing unforgettable stories of jumping out of helicopters-stories that always left listeners wide-eyed and smiling.
Once married, Jack settled in Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ, where he created the most loving home with his wife. Together they raised three children-John, Cathy and Christy -giving them a childhood filled with love, laughter, and life lessons that would last a lifetime. Jack gave his children the gift of beautiful summers in Quonochontaug, Rhode Island, where sun-soaked days ended with him driving his sandy, happy kids home from the beach on the tailgate of the station wagon. He was a true family man, giving his children a memorable and joy-filled childhood they will hold in their hearts forever.
He was a constant presence on the sidelines, coaching his kids through life and sports, and later cheering just as proudly for his beloved grandchildren: Rachel, Jack, Christopher, Olivia, Will, Jake and Charlotte. He also served as a father figure to Keith, Donald, and Matthew Kennedy, and was a loving brother-in-law to Petti Lambert. Among his greatest blessings was his most special daughter-in-law, Kim, who he loved as his own daughter, his wonderful sons-in-law, Jeff and Bill, and his many step-grandchildren whom he admired and loved deeply.
Jack gave decades of service to his community, spending over 25 years on the Ho-Ho-Kus Board of Education, many as president. A self-employed CPA, Jack worked tirelessly for his clients and built lifelong friendships through his integrity, sharp mind, and warm spirit. He was strong, captivating, and always the best-dressed man in the room-traits that made him unforgettable to everyone he met.
Jack's pride in his family knew no bounds. He never missed a game, recital, or moment to tell someone how proud he was of his children and grandchildren. His joy was found in the simplest of pleasures: a round of golf at Ridgewood Country Club, especially when shared with his son and grandsons, and time spent with those he loved most.
Jack leaves behind a legacy of hard work, unconditional love, and unwavering devotion to family. His impact on the lives he touched is immeasurable, and he will be missed beyond words.
The Chiodi family will receive friends on Sunday, April 13, 2025, 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home, 257 Godwin Ave, Wyckoff, NJ. A funeral mass will be held on Monday, April 14, 2025 at Church of the Nativity, 315 Prospect Street, Midland Park, NJ. Interment will follow at George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus, NJ.
In Lieu of flowers, Jack would be touched by a donation to two charities he felt passionate about: Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, in honor of his daughter Cathy Tunnel to Towers Foundation
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