Nicholas J. Puco

Nicholas Joseph Puco, age 94, of Ledgewood, NJ, died on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at St. Clare's Hospital in Dover, NJ.
Born in Morristown, NJ, to the late Jennie (Giovanna) Barbato-Puco, Nick was a lifelong resident of Netcong, before moving to Ledgewood in 2021.
Nick was a devoted and faithful parishioner of St. Michael's Church in Netcong. He was a man of deep faith that attended Mass regularly. He was also known for his great sense of humor and generous heart, qualities that endeared him to all who knew him.
Nick learned at an early age to become a tireless worker working on Mooney Farms, Mooney Mountain with many fond memories and stories he shared with his family. A self-employed mason fully retiring at the age of 86, Nick took great pride in his work and was always willing to lend a hand whether building a patio, repairing a sidewalk, or helping someone in need. He was a proud member of Local 913 Labor Union. Nick also served his country honorably in the United States Army during the Korean War, stationed in Germany from 1948 - 1952.
Nick enjoyed social gatherings with a good DJ and dancing, Oktoberfests, a cold Budweiser in a warm glass, golfing, watching a western movie or a game of football especially Notre Dame and the Green Bay Packers. He was a member of the St. Cesario Society of Netcong, and a lover of good Italian food cooked just the way he liked it. Growing up with his immigrant family, he cherished the close-knit traditions they shared, especially time spent together in Netcong on the feast day at family gatherings, and the traditional Christmas Eve celebrations where the visit from Santa was a highlight for generations.
Above all, Nick loved his family. He enjoyed spending time with his son and daughter but took great pride in being a grandfather where he especially treasured watching them grow up boasting about their accomplishments and attending their sporting events. His kindness, dedication, and warmth will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate to know him.
He is preceded in death by his siblings, Frank A. Puco and Rosemarie Moccio.
He is survived by two children, Ginene Puco Gerdes (Jeff) and Christopher Puco (Suria Porta); two grandchildren, Nicole Gerdes and Jeffrey Gerdes (Bethany); nieces, nephews and cousins, particularly Richard Romano and the Barbato family of which he grew up alongside his entire life as well as many other dear friends.
A memorial Mass will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026 at 10AM at St. Michael Church, 4 Church St, Netcong NJ. Nicholas will be privately laid to rest at a future date. Arrangements entrusted to Morgan Funeral Home, 31 Main St, Netcong, NJ 07857
Condolences may be sent to: NetcongFuneral.com
Memorial contributions may be directed to the St. Cesario Society, 22 Kings Rd, Netcong NJ 07857, or St. Michael's Church via http://stmichaelnetcong.org/donate