John F. Pistilli, born October 1, 1927, died peacefully in his sleep on February 18, 2025.

Born in Jersey City, NJ, he distinguished himself as a young boy with his intellect, wit and personality. He served in the army as a military police until the untimely passing of his own father. After being discharged, he worked to support his family while attending St. Peter’s University at night. John was the first in his family to achieve a college degree! Shortly after graduation, John married the love of his life, Marie Meluso. He went on to become a CPA, a profession to which he was devoted. He led practices in Jersey City for nearly 40 years and, eventually, Red Bank after moving to Wayside 20 years ago.  His dedication to education and career were the blueprint by which many of his family members built their livelihood. John’s life was one to be emulated. 

John was an avid reader of science fiction, a lover of chocolate, a fantastic dancer and a lifelong fan of the NY Giants and the NY Yankees, where his favorite player was Joe Di Maggio. He and his friends had a Pinochle Club, where they met monthly to play for money, which they then used to fund vacations together. More than anything, John enjoyed being with his family and friends.

He was pre-deceased by his daughter-in-law, Barbara Pistilli. Surviving is his wife of 73 years, Marie Meluso Pistilli; his son, Louis A. Pistilli, daughter and son-in-law, Jayanne and Francis Tedesco; two grandchildren, Liana Tedesco and her husband Sean Quinn and Gregory Tedesco; two great granddaughters Emilia and Louisa.

Mass of Christian burial Friday, February 21, 10:30 am at St. Michael’s RC Church, 800 Ocean Avenue, Long Branch.  Burial will be Saturday, February 22 at 11:00 am in Holy Name Cemetery, Jersey City. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Barbara Kuhn Pistilli ’78 Endowed Nursing Scholarship Fund at Villanova University; https://give.villanova.edu/campaigns/33308/donations/new?a=6665594