Obituary of Mario Patrick Nigro

Mario Patrick Nigro passed peacefully on Sunday, November 24, 2019.  He shared 93 years of love and kindness with everyone he met.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, December 2^nd at 10:00 am at St. Catherine of Siena Parish, 10 North Pocono Rd. Mountain Lakes.  Interment with military honors will follow at Mount Hebron Cemetery, Montclair, NJ. Visiting hours will be on Sunday, December 1^st from 2-6 pm at the Norman Dean Home For Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville.  In this season of Thanksgiving and always, Mario would want to remind us to “spend quality time with the ones you love”.  Please share your memories here.  His family will cherish them forever. 

Mario was born in Newark in 1926 to the late Vincenzo & Maria Nigro.  He was one of six children to bless the family.  During his HS years, he began working to help support the family.  When he turned eighteen he enlisted in the US Army and proudly served our country during WWII.  After his combat time, he returned to the states where he was honorably discharged.  Being a product of the greatest generation, Mario knew the value of a dollar and of hard work and determination.  He married his sweetheart Jeanne and they started their life together.  Mario took a job with the Newark Police Department and worked his way up the ranks through the years.  He was an excellent Officer and served the community of Newark well.  He was always community minded and enjoyed helping wherever he could.  He retired as Lieutenant in 1991 after a fulfilling career where he was able to support his family. With the work days behind him, he was able to travel often and spend more time with family.  He traveled to many continents and countries and always enjoyed the adventure.  A history buff, there was always something to be learned and explored.  He was a member of the Sons of Italy Club and enjoyed the friendships he made there.  Above everything; Mario adored his family.  He was the proud Dad of four and Grandpa of two.  Becoming a widower at such a young age made it even more important to him to instill the values of family, faith and hard work into his children.  He was so very proud of his crew and is certainly watching over them all with pride. 

Predeceased by his beloved wife Jeanne (1971); he leaves beautiful memories to his children James (Gracellen), Marcelle Vreeland (Bob), Matt (Jeanette) and David (Joyce Hynes) ; his grandchildren Dan and Dana Nigro; his sisters Jean Santoro and Ann Nigro; his brother Vincent Nigro; and many dear nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors. His brothers Daniel and Nicholas and his brother in law Emilio Santoro passed previously.