Peter A. Tirri

Peter A. Tirri, 78, of Pequannock Township, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2025.
Born and raised in Paterson, Peter graduated from Central High School before earning his Bachelor's degree in Education from Paterson State College. He continued his education at William Paterson College, where he earned two Master's degrees - one in Education and another in Administration.
Pete began his teaching career in Park Ridge, where he taught social studies, before returning to his hometown of Paterson to teach math at Martin Luther King Jr. School and later basic skills at School 12. His passion for education and advocacy led him to the Paterson Education Association, where he served as full-time president for over 42 years, retiring in 2015. Pete was widely respected for his unwavering dedication to teachers, students, and the Paterson community. He served the New Jersey Education Association as a member of the Delegate Assembly, and as a member of New Jersey State Board of Examiners. In 2024, his lifelong commitment was honored when Straight Street, between 20th and 21st Avenues, was officially named "Pete Tirri Way."
In 1968, Pete married the love of his life, Francine Ciancio, and the couple briefly lived in Cliffside Park before settling in Pequannock Township, where they raised their family. Pete was a proud and devoted resident of Pequannock for 52 years. He served his community as a member of the Board of Education, enjoyed several years coaching with Pequannock Township Little League, and was a dedicated committee member of Boy Scout Troop 144. His legacy will live on not only in the countless lives he impacted through education but also in the enduring respect and love of the community he served so passionately.
Pete is survived by his beloved wife, Francine; his children, Angela and her husband My, and Vince and his wife Stephanie; his grandchildren, Ava Marie, Stella Sophia Hanh, Isabella Virginia, Frank Dominick, and Zoë Jean; his sisters, Toni Gennarelli and her husband Joe, and Cyndie Suppa; as well as seven nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours will be held from 4 to 8 pm Thursday, September 4 and Friday, September 5at Scanlan's, Pompton Plains. A funeral Mass will be celebrated 10 am Saturday, September 6 at Most Blessed Sacrament Church, Franklin Lakes. Interment will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Totowa.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Pete's memory to the Dr. Kenneth and Dr. Amy Job Endowed Scholarship at William Paterson University would be greatly appreciated by his family. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Peter, please visit our floral store.