Giuseppe Trifilio

Giuseppe Trifilio was born on August 26, 1956 in Cirella, Italy, to Salvatore and Pietrina. After a visit to New Jersey with his family, he resolved to begin a new life in the United States. In 1972 he surprised his dear Aunt Rose and Uncle Mike by showing up unannounced on their doorstep in Ridgewood, New Jersey, and lived with them for the next several years. He enrolled at Ridgewood High School, where he quickly formed an eclectic group of friends, many of whom remained close throughout his life.

A mechanic by trade, Joe’s abilities reached far beyond cars. He was the first person many turned to in any circumstance, serving as local mechanic, electrician, plumber, builder, therapist, and peacemaker. He never hesitated to lend a hand and rarely asked for anything in return. Nothing brought him greater joy than being that reliable presence for those he loved, and often for those he barely knew.

Joe loved working on cars and always had a new project underway. He was an avid hunter who rarely missed a Sunday during hunting season. Each year he made his own wine, proudly sharing it with others and insisting it was the best they would ever taste. Yet it was the simple pleasures that meant the most to him: gathering around the table with family and friends, enjoying a glass of wine, and sharing stories that stretched late into the night.

Husband, father, Nonno, Zio, brother, cousin, and friend to many, Giuseppe is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 46 years, Angelina; his children TinaMarie (Andrew) Hart, Nicole (Joe) Peduto, and Salvatore (Shauna); and his siblings Nicola of Kempten, Germany, Maria (Angelo) Forestiero of Cirella, Italy, and Rosetta (Antonio) Cauteruccio of Buonvicino, Italy. He also leaves behind his three grandchildren, Olivia and Luca Hart and Chiara Peduto, whom he loved fiercely and who brought him endless joy until his final days.