Carl R. Moscatello

Carl Moscatello, 85, of Manchester peacefully passed away at his home on March 15, 2022. Born from the true love of Mary Krok and Carl Moscatello Sr., on March 25,1936 in Newark, NJ he grew up in Jersey City, NJ and proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1955 to 1958. Carl enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson and belonged to a motorcycle club. Yet, when he fell in love with Patricia Moscatello née Starvaggi, he sold his bike for an engagement ring and they were married for over 58 years.

Carl and Patricia moved their family to North Arlington, NJ in 1970 where they raised 3 children, Gina Garfunkel, Paul Moscatello and Maria Riccitelli. He is also survived by his 2 granddaughters Nicole Garfunkel and Jillian Garfunkel, sons-in-law Ben Garfunkel and David Riccitelli, and many sister and brothers-in-law, nephews, and cousins.

Carl was an entrepreneur before the term was coined - he owned many businesses including a gas station, Carl’s Tavern, Sal’s Tavern, which he purchased from his father-in-law, and La Pizzeria. But his most successful ventures were his trucking companies. He owned more than one business at a time and always tried his best to balance his family time with work. He would occasionally bring his children with him to the tavern and for rides in his beautiful cherry red Freightliner 18-wheeler on a day off from school.

As the owner of Mutual Container Delivery, he hauled imported beer from the piers in Port Newark to distributors in the metro area. His brother-in-law, Michael Skubisz was his business partner in some of his ventures and it goes without saying that Michael was the brother Carl never had. Later, when his daughter Maria operated a deli and catering company, Carl was always there to happily lend a hand.

Carl came from a long line of farmers and he himself was an avid gardener. His tomatoes were his specialty, but he also loved growing many types of vegetables. His fig tree was his baby and it broke his heart to leave it behind when he and Patricia left North Arlington. His daughters carry on his tradition but they have yet to produce a tomato that could rival his. Carl was also passionate about cars. Although he loved many types of cars, there was a period in his life when he would buy a new Cadillac every other year. His son Paul would inherit his love of cars; he went on to become a mechanic and a muscle car enthusiast.

Those who had the pleasure of knowing Carl would say that he truly enjoyed life and all its adventures. He loved the beach and eventually bought his family a home on Chadwick Beach Island so they could enjoy summers at the Jersey Shore. It is there that he taught his children how to fish and crab in the Barnegat Bay. His love of driving took him on many cross-country vacations. He loved to explore new places and he and Patricia would eventually move to Arizona in 1996, which was a dream Carl chose to fulfill. However, he and Patricia returned to NJ in 2002 to be closer to family.

Nothing made Carl happier than getting together with family and sharing his bottle of Chianti that he always had on hand, along with a jar of anchovies to top off any meal. Carl enjoyed hosting epic summer barbecues in the backyard which had an in-ground pool, always welcoming family and friends and serving his delicious sausage and pepper sandwiches.

His warm smile and incredibly friendly demeanor were his trademarks and his fierce loyalty and work ethic were unmatched. From him we learned the value of true friendship and selflessness. And always bring a bottle of Chianti with you wherever you go.

Alzheimer’s began taking Carl from us seven years ago, but even in the end his beautiful smile could never be extinguished and his light will shine in our hearts forever.

We will be forever grateful to the Hospice nurses and aides that made Carl’s last days comfortable and peaceful. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to VNA Hospice at www.vnahg.org or the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.