Edward A. Nepola

Edward Anthony Nepola, 77, of Emerson, NJ, died surrounded by his family on Friday, December 23, 2022. Ed was the model of a truly great man, full of quiet wisdom and love for family and friends. His loss will be felt widely. Edward was born in Queens, NY to Ettore and Rose Nepola (nee Bonagura). After losing his own father at a young age, Ed enjoyed a close relationship with his stepfather, Edmund Rovegno.

He met the love of his life, Margaret (nee Houston) at Bachelor’s II in 1969. They married on October 20, 1973 and lived a loving partnership for over 49 years. Theirs was a true love story. Ed and Margaret went on to have three sons. He was an active part of his boys’ lives. Watching them become exceptional men and fathers was one of the deepest joys of his life. He was steadfast in his support of the adventures, and misadventures, of each one of them. His first-born son, Jeffrey, showed him the amazing relationship between a father and son. Jeffrey preceded him in death in 2014. His twin sons, Brian and Steven, added strength to these bonds and were blessed by his support, love and guidance.

Ed’s grandchildren gave him additional opportunities to love, guide and support as he did his sons. His grandchildren Brendan, Carter, Mia and James Nepola; Sydney, Jackson, Gavin and Savannah Nepola-DeFelice. Additional gifts of family were added with Steven’s fiancé, Holly and three daughters Haley, Brynn and Bryce.

Ed was considered by all who knew him as the salt of the earth, a true gentleman, a rare find. He was a man of all trades who would always be there to lend a helping hand, whether to offer his artistry as a painter or to dig out your driveway in a snowstorm. Many knew Ed as a person who would offer advice and wisdom in his quiet, judgment free, and helpful way.

Ed had the gift of gab and loved to share stories with his family and friends. He had the ability to make those in his presence feel important and enveloped them in his goodness and love. He will be truly missed.

Ed is also survived by his sister Barbara Janowski, his brother and sister in-law, Fred and Suzanne Houston; his daughter in-law Danielle Nepola-DeFelice and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased in death by his sisters Virginia Sebestyen, Irene Fletcher, and brother-in-law Michael Houston.

A visitation for Edward will be held Thursday, December 29, 2022, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, NJ 07675. A Mass celebrating Edward’s life will be held at R.C. Church of the Assumption in Emerson on Friday, December 30, 2022, at 9:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Edward’s memory to:

• Children’s Cancer Research Fund- https://childrenscancer.org/

• St. Jude’s Research Hospital- https://www.stjude.org/