Alexander F. Cilli, Jr.

Funeral Information

Home: Rockaway Township, NJ

Date of Death: January 19, 2012

Place of Birth: Teaneck, NJ

Birthdate: June 02, 1947

Age: 64

Interment: Locust Hill Crematory, Dover, NJ

Biography

Alexander F. "Sandy" Cilli Jr. 64, died suddenly on Thursday Jan. 19, 2012 at Morristown Memorial Hospital in Morristown, NJ.

He was born in Teaneck and grew up in New Milford, before moving to Boonton, and finally to Rockaway Twp., NJ.

He had served in the US Air Force during the Viet Nam War.

He had worked in the interior landscaping business, and for the past 25 years worked for the Stephen Gould Corporation in Whippany.

His enjoyment has been his family and friends, motorcycles, racing cars, and the 1964 Triumph Spitfire he restored.

He is predeceased by his parents Alexander and Rosalie Cilli, as well as his two brothers Richie and Donald and his sister Christina "Tina" Sullivan.

He is survived by his wife of 25 years Karen R. Krizel, his brothers Edward of Asbury, NJ, David of Dumont, James of Washingtonville, NY, Raymond of Little Ferry, and sisters Eileen Ellerman of So. Hackensack and Rosemary Limbardo of Tenafly, and 17 nieces and nephews.

Family and Friends are visiting on Sat. Jan. 28, 2012 from 2-5 PM at the Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Ave. Denville, NJ, www.normandean.com.

Please share a memory of Sandy by lighting a candle on our web site.

Donations are being accepted to the American Heart Assoc., PO Box 417005 Boston, MA 02241.

Candles

Lori Ellerman 2012-01-21 18:43:11

There was never a dull moment with Uncle Sandy. He always had a dashing smile and was quite the prankster. He always made me smile and I Loved to be in his company. I will always remember the time spent with him and have plenty of fond memories to keep within me. It won't be the same without him but know he'll be close by watching over us. There will never be another that can take the place of him. Sandy was one in a million and one of my Favorite people. The "Girls" will never be the same (inside joke between Sandy and I). Have a blast in Heaven and keep an eye on me from up there<3 Until we meet again...I'll be missing you. Love your sweet Neice , Lori

Perry Aidelbaum 2012-01-21 19:59:03

I have raced with Alex for about 20 years in Autoxing. Our club lost a great friend. I will miss you Alex, God Speed..

Lynn Weinel-Melchionna 2012-01-21 20:04:55

I will certain;y miss Sandy's daily "words of wisdom" and his silly FB comments. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Karen and the entire Cilli family. Heaven has just received their newest (and very amusing) angel. R.I.P. Sandy

Bruce Bellom 2012-01-21 20:08:40

REST IN PEACE You are a true #15

Anthony Crea 2012-01-21 20:58:25

Alex always knew how to make people smile and feel good about the job they were doing while at the races. He's going to be missed. R.I.P Alex, until we meet again someday.

Roy Oppedisano 2012-01-21 23:21:51

The Amazing V-Boy

Steve and Lisa LaBar 2012-01-22 00:05:50

There was never a dull moment with Sandy, he will be missed! RIP Sandy!

Ted Descovich 2012-01-22 01:51:43

I've known Alex for over 20 years. Always a great guy.Will be missed by all.

Bill Brennan 2012-01-22 02:25:38

This sums up Sandy pretty well. Our old boss's father would hide quarters under various tables/counters to make sure that we were cleaning correctly. If the quarter was gone, then we did our job. Sandy, joker that he was, would leave two dimes and a nickel for him to find. I always chuckle when I think of that.

Stuart Kestenbaum 2012-01-22 03:11:19

Alex was a great guy, great competitor and he will be missed dearly. Truly a man that all he came in contact with had their spirits lifted a bit.

Chris Vanderwolk 2012-01-22 03:29:49

I consider myself blessed to have had the opportunity to get to know Alex over the past few years. He was a shining example of humanity, and he is already missed.

Corrie Gleason 2012-01-22 04:26:40

Sandy was my dads best friend since they were in Cub Scouts. He was such a great person to be around. He would leave messages on our families answering machine for me and my sister when we were younger, by just saying " meow ". When my grandparents died when i was 7, he took me for a drive in his little red kit car that he built.... Just a week ago, after I told him Cabby Patties from sponge bob were gross, he sent me, in a big box, one single Crabby Patty. Sandy will be missed terribly and I hope that he is in peace. Karen, us Gleasons love you! Be strong. And Sandy, we love you too. And always will

Jim Mason 2012-01-22 05:47:09

Sandy and I worked together at the old Vay's ShopRite as "baggers" in 1964, along with Tony Scimone, "Duck" Donnely, Joe Genesco, Tom Fyodor, and others...singing songs and carrying on, 'cause "life could be a dream." And it was! I'll always remember Sandy throwing his head back periodically while "bagging" because his hair kept getting in his eyes! I haven't seen him since those amazing days, but he's someone I'll never forget.

Bob Kingsland 2012-01-22 14:05:43

Always a smile. Always something to laugh about. Always there. Always a friend. We will always miss you. Ride on Sandy.

Dominic Stimola 2012-01-22 15:32:57

Sandy, The little boy in a man's body. He never lost his sense of seeing the world through the eyes of a boy. There was always a sense of joy in each new day's discoveries. The world is a little less fun without him. Marsha, Nick, Tony and I will miss him greatly. He is probably driving God a little nutty right now asking where his Pabst Blue Ribbon is.

Loria Russo 2012-01-22 19:49:07

I grew up on Myrtle Avenue in New Milford...it was the place to be a child of the 50's. Every evening we would meet at the Dead End and organize our own game of Kick Ball. I always have fond thoughts of our games and Mr. Cilli making all of us English Muffin Pizzas. I'm glad I recently saw many of our old friends and Sandy at a recent St. Joe's Reunion. I'm so glad I atteded. Ave Atque Vale...my childhood friend!

Kevin and Nancy Pianfetti 2012-01-22 22:32:31

I have known Sandy since we were 5 years old entering St. Joseph's first grade. I am proud to call him my friend and have so enjoyed reconnecting with him over the past 12 years through the NMHS and St. Joe's reunions. All my memories of school years include Sandy. I will miss his forever.

Donna Sullivan 2012-01-23 04:45:02

In most families, Aunts, Uncles and Cousins are those relatives who live far away and you might see once or twice during the holidays. I am fortunate enough to have grown up with a family who not only saw each other at a million and one birthday parties, weddings, or other family events, but every Sunday for dinner. Uncle Sandy loved giving different gifts, whether it be a box (within a million boxes) full of keys, KNOTB pins (15 years after they were popular), or individually wrapped Swedish fish. I miss you and love you. Please watch over all of us. And when the Giants win the superbowl, we'll know who really made it happen. Xoxo Peanut

Dan Elefante 2012-01-23 12:25:17

Sandy was a sweet guy with a fantastic scene of humor who loved his friends and family, always looking forward to get-togethers and reunions.

Edward Craig 2012-01-23 13:56:20

seems as if Sandy one guy who changed little over the years re his love of life and influence on others--remember him sitting in fron seat in 5th grade. Incidentally, he looked about the same save for hair and glasses--so sorry to hear of his passing

Lisa Riker 2012-01-23 14:36:03

I am deeply sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts are prayers during this difficult time.

Sheila O'Boyle Bittmann 2012-01-23 18:35:31

Sandy and I go back to first grade at St. Joe's together--went all through grammar and high school together. He was the tiny first grader who grew up to have a heart and soul as big as the sky. We reconnected when Sandy organized our NMHS and St. Joe's reunions, and we had so many good times and laughs planning those events. Sandy was the glue that kept our class close...everyone always liked him, with his easy smile and easygoing attitude. His daily "words of widsdom" on his Facebook page always started my day with a smile. My heartfelt sympathy and prayers to Karen, Sandy's siblings, and all the Cilli family and friends. Till we meet again, Sandy, keep that Big Band music playing!

Donna Chalef 2012-01-23 20:13:23

I did not know Sandy, but work with Karen. My heart goes out to Karen and the rest of the family during this time of sorrow.

Tony De Falco 2012-01-23 22:22:40

A Gentle Man and Quiet Giant who seemed to live to help others. I met Alex in 2011 at the Meadowlands Solo AutoX and struck up a few conversations. Alex shared his experiences with me just before my first solo race. Thank You Alex and God Speed!

Lauren Kerrigan-Kraly 2012-01-23 22:41:53

I was so sad to hear of Sandy's passing. Sandy had the best sense of humor. From the time I was very little, Sandy always called me "peanut". Naturally this always upset me - but, he was relentless. So, from your little "peanut" - you will be fondly missed. Karen, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Sandy, may you rest in peace.

Don Warren 2012-01-23 23:05:51

I am sorry I did not get to know him better. I talked with him at most of the Saturday events at the Meadowlands and Raceway park for over ten years. I do not think there was an event when he did not stop to give me an encouraging word. It will seem strange not to see his smiling face and greetings at future events.

JC Paradise 2012-01-24 01:38:17

I've known Alex for about 12 years of autocrossing. He was always a great racer and a great guy. I'll miss him.

Eileen Cilli Ellerman 2012-01-24 02:14:50

My Brother Sandy was one in a million. There's no one who can ever take his place. I have a lot of fond memories growing up with him and will keep them close to my heart. I will miss his smile and the pranks he used to play. The family parties will never be the same without him but know he'll be watching over us. He had a great love for his family and friends. Rest in Peace Big Brother. Love you and Miss you always.

Gordon & Peg Lockwood 2012-01-24 17:07:29

Sandy, Sandy, Sandy...always that beautiful smile and mischievous grim....you will be missed our friend.

Jim and Dena Flowers 2012-01-24 18:40:01

Sorry to hear, our sympathy to the family

Gina George-Greer 2012-01-24 19:53:06

Karen, my heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time. God Bless.

Robert Dreitlein 2012-01-24 21:48:03

Rest in Peace, God speed

kathy Billera 2012-01-24 22:14:01

Ro and family Sorry for your loss, you are in my prayers

Bob Flanagan 2012-01-25 14:40:08

I had the privledge of knowing Sandy since 1st grade. He was a kind, thoughtful and caring man. He will be missed by many. Karen and family you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Art Swartz 2012-01-25 15:56:24

Alex had the same affect on everyone, a way to make you feel good and smile. His pranks made us feel like when we were kids. I surely will miss seeing him at the Autocross events and the special feeling he gave to us all. My condolensces to the family.

Carole Sisko 2012-01-26 02:21:05

Too many years went by until I was rejoined with Sandy and my fellow NMHS classmates at our 40th reunion. It was a life changing experience which I have treasured each year as we gather and talk about the past, share the present, and dare to voice our hopes for the future. I will miss Sandy and his words that started each of my days with a smile and a laugh. I will miss his presence at our future gatherings but he will never be forgotten. My prayers go out to Karen and the family.

Andi Orel 2012-01-27 18:37:03

Karen, I am so sorry for your loss. I read all the beautiful things everyone wrote about your husband. What a wonderful person you were so fortunate to have in your life. My prayers are with you both. Andi

Steve Burtt 2012-01-27 20:42:18

Dear Karen, I'm saddened by Sandy's passing, and I hope the thoughts people left on this page can give you some comfort. I also hope they can help ease the pain felt by Sandy's extended family. The tributes from the folks who knew him much longer than I made me laugh and brought tears to my eyes all at once. Sandy touched everyone who ever met him! And the 'words of wisdom' he posted on facebook were priceless! I always wondered why I never thought of some of those same things, but it showed how unique he really was! An original thinker and a world class wit!! I asked him a few times if he was recording his posts and keeping them safe for posterity! What a book that could have been. I'll close by saying that I miss Sandy the same as if a brother of mine had passed. God Bless You, Buddy.

Sue Schermerhorn 2012-01-28 22:41:40

Karen I`m very sorry for your loss. Love ya.

Jon Novak 2012-01-29 17:59:21

Sandy taught me that it's good to stay young at heart and believe in Superman. God bless.

Patricia Damorjian Thompson 2012-01-30 16:36:46

Karen although we have never met, I have fond memories of Sandy when I was a young girl. Praying that God gives you solace as you mourn your loss.