Paul Bodrato

BODRATO
Paul Russell Lawrence, 90, of Closter, passed away on Tuesday, February 9, 2016. Known to family, friends and in business as Russell or just Russ.
Born 14 Jan 1926 to Paul C Bodrato and his wife Molly nee (Meyerer). Russ grew up in Northvale and Norwood. He graduated Closter High School Class of 1943. He served in the US Navy WWII. After the Navy, Russ attended Business school and joined his father's business All Brands Tire Exchange in Hackensack. Russ and his brother Roger expanded the business to include All Brands Auto Sales, a leading independent used car dealership in Bergen County from 1948 to 1968. In 1968, Russ again expanded All Brands to include the new car line Datsun which became Nissan in 1981. Russell and Roger became valued dealers in the Nissan franchise being awarded top sales and service honors throughout their 38 years with them. Over the course of these years, Russell's two sons, Gary and Edward, along with Roger's two sons, Glenn and Graham, joined the family business, so a customer never had to look far to have a family member help them.
Russell married Eleanor (nee Sella), the girl that always knew she was going to marry him in 1948. Russ and Eleanor settled in Closter and raised their two boys and daughter Chante' there. They enjoyed an active life style, traveling the US and spending time at their home on Singer Island, FL. His favorite pastime included golf, card playing and deep sea fishing with his buddies. His all day card games were something of a legend.
Russell sat on the Board of Directors for Midland Bank and Trust (now Valley National Bank) and held a seat on the Dealer Advisory Board at Valley. He was a long time member of White Beeches Country Club, a 64 year member of the Masonic Temple, a life member of the Elks, long time member of the American Legion Post 366 in Northvale and Honorary Member of PBA Local in Hackensack.
Pop leaves behind the love of his life Eleanor, his wife of 67 years; his children, Gary and his wife Mary of River Vale, Edward and his companion Kim of Dumont and Chante' of Closter; his five grandchildren, Kelli and fiancé Tim, Molly and her fiancé Alex, Toni and her husband William, Paul and his fiancé Amy, Victoria and his great-granddaughter Jasmin. Also, his surviving cousins Elmo, Arty and wife Waldine, who called him every day to raise his spirits.
Russ now joins his mom Molly, father Paul, beloved brother and partner Roger, cousins Fred and wife Vivian, Joe and wife Fran and cousin Elmo's wife, Yolanda at Rockland Cemetery. Russ also joins his favorite Aunt Mildred and her husband Kermit Suits and Aunt Marie and Uncle Joe Guglielmo. We're sure there are more aunts and uncles and cousins we never met.
Pop had one thing that never changed in his life, the love of family. Without a doubt his last hand was a Royal Flush.
Visitation will be at Pizzi Funeral Home 120 Paris Ave Northvale (201-767-3050) on Thursday February 11 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Funeral services Friday at 11 AM at funeral with interment to follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to your favorite charity.
www.pizzifuneralhome.com