In Loving Memory of Vito Nicholas Zarrillo, Sr.
Vito Nicholas Zarrillo, Sr. passed peacefully on Saturday, August 23, 2025. To summarize Vito’s life is to try to capture the sun in a jar—his warmth, humor, and generosity touched countless lives and left an indelible mark on all who knew him.
Born in Newark, New Jersey, on May 23, 1935, Vito was the youngest of nine sons of Dominick and Margaret Zarrillo. At age 11, he was diagnosed with rheumatic fever and given little chance of surviving past 13. Sent to a convalescent home, he defied every prediction, returning home at 13 to the overwhelming joy of his family—a triumph that foreshadowed the strength he carried throughout life.
That same year, while in grammar school, Vito met the love of his life, Dorothy Stanislaw. Their bond grew from childhood sweethearts into devoted partners, marrying and building a life rooted in faith and laughter. Though they faced infertility, their prayers were answered after 11 years when they adopted their son, Vito Nicholas Zarrillo, Jr., through Catholic Charities in Trenton. They poured their hearts into parenthood, raising their son with boundless devotion and love.
Vito’s career reflected his gift for connection. At 17, he joined the Newark Ambulance Corps, delivering babies, performing CPR, and comforting those in crisis. He spent 35 years in customer service, followed by 15 with Roma Foods, building friendships one pizza parlor at a time—often with Dorothy by his side. He also worked part-time as a real estate agent for over three decades, helping families find their own slice of the American dream.
His commitment to service extended beyond work. For over 25 years, Vito volunteered Thursday nights at Green Brook Manor Nursing Home, leading sing-alongs and lifting spirits with his signature warmth. Helping others wasn’t just something he did—it was who he was.
Of all his roles, none brought greater joy than being a grandfather. On May 9, 2005, his world expanded with the birth of his first grandson, Vito III, followed by Rocco in 2014 and Enzo in 2019. These boys became the very air he breathed. He delighted in every moment with them, proudly sharing stories of their adventures with anyone who would listen. He would enjoy so many days just watching them play on the sidewalk from his Hoboken stoop.
In 2011, Vito welcomed his daughter-in-law Amanda into the family, embracing her as his own. Their bond was one of mutual love and respect, and she cherished him deeply.
Vito Sr. was a man of quiet heroism, fierce devotion, and profound humor. He lived with humility, gave without hesitation, and loved those in his orbit with every fiber of his being. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the family he adored, and the stories that will be told for generations.
He is survived by his son Vito Jr., daughter-in-law Amanda, and beloved grandsons Vito III, Rocco, and Enzo. He now joins his cherished wife Dorothy and his eight brothers in eternal peace.
To know Vito was to be loved by him. And to be loved by him was to be truly blessed.
Visitation Thursday, August 28, 2025, 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Failla-McKnight Memorial Home, 533 Willow Avenue, Hoboken. Parking available in rear of funeral home off Sixth Street. Funeral Mass Friday, August 29, 2025, 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s R.C. Church, 704 Jefferson Street, Hoboken. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery, 340 Ridge Road, North Arlington.