Obituary of Pasquale Carmagnola

Pasquale Carmagnola passed away peacefully on September 17, 2021 at St. Luke’s Hospice House in Bethlehem, PA. He had shared 83 years of unconditional love, incredible generosity, infectious laughter, and priceless memories with family and friends.

Born and raised in Baranello, Italy, to the late Antonio and Teresa (Mele), Pasquale was one of two boys to bless the Carmagnola household. He was an accomplished, hardworking, and generous man; truly the salt of the earth. He married the love of his life and best friend, Livia in 1958 in Italy. At age 21, the happy couple came to the U.S. and settled into Newark first, then Parsippany before finding their most permanent roots in Denville. They later made their way to Lower Macungie, PA where they quickly made their impact felt, as they did in all their previous stops. Pasquale became a U.S. Citizen and was proud to tell people that and how much it meant to him.

Pasquale was an expert Tailor honing his trade in Italy before coming to America. He worked for Saltz & Sons in Passaic for many years ultimately running the company and opening two additional factories in NYC and Philadelphia. He was extremely talented and creative and had an incredible eye for detail.  He made his own patterns and routinely made and altered clothing for friends and family out of his home.

After retiring in 1982, Pasquale joined his son Anthony in the family business full-time. Anthony’s Pizzeria and Family Restaurant began 42 years ago on Main Street in Rockaway and has become a thriving and beloved local establishment. Pasquale was an amazing boss in addition to an excellent cook, most famously known for his delicious homemade sauce, homemade wine and sangria. He had an incredible and natural way of making every customer feel as if they were at home. He cherished the fact that he was able to work for years with all three of his sons. 

He was also a passionate gardener of vegetables, herbs, and flowers. (Not surprisingly, he was an award-winning gardener in Lower Macungie.)  In his spare time, he loved watching soccer (and his beloved Azzurri), playing bocce ball and Scopa, spending time with friends, entertaining and helping others. His guilty pleasure was definitely time spent at the casinos, especially at Wind Creek, formerly The Sands, in Bethlehem, PA.

Above anything else, his family was his pride and joy. Although we are deeply saddened by his passing, we take comfort in knowing he is now reunited with his beloved wife, Livia, his parents, and the lifelong friends that passed before him.

His legacy will live on in the hearts of his adored children, Anthony & Theresa, Domenick & Gabriella, and Robert & Janice; his cherished grandchildren, Anthony, Jr. & Laurie, Joseph, Rose & Christopher, Nicholas, Christopher, Noelle, and Michael; his treasured great-grandchildren, Julianna, Mia, Chloe, and Madeline; his caring brother, Giovanni “John” & Rita and their children, Teresa and Maria Cristina; his loving companion, Geraldine Getz and her family; and many more extended family and dear friends.

Gathering of family and friends will take place on Friday, September 24th from 4 - 7 pm at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville, NJ 07834. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, September 25th at 9:30 am at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church, 91 Maple Ave, Morristown, NJ 07960. Entombment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover. Memorial Donations are being accepted to The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation by way of www.inmemof.org to ensure receipt of your donation. Please light a candle, leave a condolence, and share your favorite memory of Pasquale here to continue to celebrate the incredible life he endowed to us.