Obituary of Cataldo Fiorenza

Beloved Husband, Father and Grandfather

Cataldo “Charlie” Fiorenza, 92, of Clark, NJ entered into eternal life on September 27, 2021.

Born in Sicily, Italy to Giacomo and Pietra Fiorenza, Charlie served in the Italian Army. He emigrated to the United States in 1955. Charlie lived in Newark and Irvington before settling in Clark in 1980.

Charlie was employed as a laborer working for the Laborers International Local 342 for many years, retiring at the age of 60. He took pride in his house, his lawn and his gardens. Charlie loved to make homemade wine, spent countless nights playing cards, eating and sharing stories. He lit up a room with his smile. Charlie had a contagious laugh, a great sense of humor and loved to joke around.

Charlie adored his grandchildren so much that he would dance and make videos with them. He enjoyed spending time with his family, friends and neighbors. He was loved by all who knew him. The locals referred to him as the unofficial mayor of Clark.

Predeceased by his parents; his siblings, Dominick, Carmelo, Giuseppe and Sebastina; and his daughter-in-law, Donna Fiorenza; Charlie is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Vincenza; his cherished daughter, Patty Ilg and her husband, Jim; his cherished sons, Giacomo and his wife, Christine; Vincent; and Angelo and his wife, Diane; his adored grandchildren, Giacomo III, Andrea, Vincent, Jaclyn, Victoria Ilg, Angelo and Luciano; along with many relatives and friends.

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Monday, October 4th from 6:00 to 9:00 pm at Galante Funeral Home, 2800 Morris Ave, Union, NJ. The funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, October 5th at 10:00am, followed by entombment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover. Arrangements provided by Codey Funeral Home of Caldwell.