Russell F. Piparo

Russell F. (Rosario) Piparo of Monroe Township, formerly of New Brunswick, died peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on October 29. He was 87 years old. Born to hardworking immigrant parents, he took great pride in his Italian heritage and his birthplace, the City of New Brunswick.
Russ was a graduate of New Brunswick High School, Class of 1957 and loved being a Zebra. In 2015, he was inducted into the NBHS Hall of Distinguished Alumni. He also chaired and served on many class reunion committees. His dedication to his Catholic faith was demonstrated as an active member of the Parish of the Visitation (formerly St. Mary of Mt. Virgin Church) for many years by attending daily mass, as a bingo caller, a driving instructor, a parish council member, and as a founding member of the Monsignor Mugnano Knights of Columbus Council #6572. Most importantly, Russ enjoyed his friendships with many Religious Teachers Filippini and Vocationist Priests.
In 1951, at 13 years old, Russ began working at Mae and Mickey's Sweet Shop on Throop Avenue in New Brunswick. He continued to work there into adulthood on occasional weekends until it closed in 1970. Russ and his wife, Janet, even bought the house in which they raised their family next door to the owners! After high school graduation, Russ attended Lincoln Technical Institute and worked as an auto mechanic at Varga Transmission Center. He became a member of the Varga family as he remained there for the majority of his work life before he officially retired in the early 2000's. In 1965, Russ joined the New Brunswick Fire Department where he enjoyed a 27 year career before retiring in 1992. He worked through the ranks as a firefighter, lieutenant, captain, deputy chief and director. He was known "on the job" as Brow and more recently as Big Russ. Over the years, he also coined many nicknames for his fellow firefighters. Always with a great sense of humor, Russ was involved in a few pranks that are still talked about today. He served on many negotiation teams, and as president of the local FMBA and Firefighter's Relief Association. He cherished and maintained ongoing contact with the department. He always said that being a member of the fire department was the best job in the world. Additionally, he owned Russ's Automotive from 1981-1988, where he not only repaired cars, he provided coffee, advice and entertainment as the neighborhood hangout for many.
Russ's hobbies included a lifetime love of cars, especially his 1965 Mustang convertible, anything related to the fire service, singing along to the Beach Boys, local politics, visits to casinos, and social gaming (IYKYK). Russ was also a member of the New Brunswick Elks and enjoyed many of the social activities in Monroe Township. He was completely devoted to his family and friends - never saying no to any requests for assistance. By living a life of service to others, Russ earned the respect of his community, his colleagues, his friends, and most importantly, his family.
Throughout his life, Russ always put family and loyalty first. He worked two jobs to ensure that Janet could stay home to raise their children. Over their 67 years together, they created a home that family and friends gravitated to on a regular basis. Anyone who has met Russ, knows about the accomplishments of his children as well as grandsons. He will always be Poppy to his three favorite boys.
Russ was predeceased by his wife Janet in 2022, his parents Frank and Rose, and his lifelong best friends and cousins Charles Piparo and Rose and John Reap. He is survived by daughter Barbara and her husband Vince Walls of Millsboro, Delaware, two sons - Russell and his wife Mary Ellen of Pikesville, Maryland and Robert and his wife Tracey of Allentown; three grandsons - Declan, Finnegan, and Casey; his brother and first friend Charles J. Piparo and his wife Rose, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. While he enjoyed many longtime friendships, in recent years Russ's life was enhanced by his companion Kathleen Lupo and dear friends Javine Spence, Danny Barbaro, and Fr. Benny Chittilapilly.
Cremation was private. A gathering of friends and family will be held from 4:00 - 8:00 pm on Thursday, November 6, 2025, with a wake service and eulogy to take place at 6:00 pm at Gleason Funeral Home of North Brunswick, 555 Georges Road, North Brunswick. A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, November 7, 2025 at St. Mary of Mt. Virgin Church, Remsen Avenue and Sanford Street, New Brunswick.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Russell and Janet Piparo Legacy Scholarship. Please go to www.nbefonline.org/scholarship-donation/. The scholarship is administered by the New Brunswick Education Foundation (NBEF).
For checks or money orders, kindly make payable to NBEF, P.O. Box 247, New Brunswick, NJ 08903.
Russ's family sincerely thanks all who provided comfort and support in recent weeks, especially the staff and doctors at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and accentCare Hospice. Additionally, texts, visits, stories and prayers from family and friends made a huge difference in their lives.