Paul F. LaPilusa

Paul was born on December 31, 1960, to Francis and Barbara LaPilusa, in Bayonne, New Jersey. Although born in Bayonne, Long Beach Island was his second home. His family had a summer house in Manahawkin, NJ, so he spent many hours on the North First Street beach in Surf City. He loved the ocean, and since he was a strong swimmer (at one time a lifeguard), he passed that love onto his children. He was on this earth for too short a time, yet he will be remembered every day for his smile, his laugh, and his beautiful spirit. Paul had five main loves in his life - his wife, his daughter, his son, and of course, his tenor saxophone. The fifth love was the color of green & white - the JETS. He faithfully followed them from the time they won Super Bowl III, and never gave up hope that one day they would become another winning team. As a family, they supported his weekly ritual and loved hearing him shout for joy when they occasionally won.

Paul graduated from Bayonne High School, then went on to receive a BA in Business Administration from Rutgers University, a BA in Music from Jersey City University, a Masters of Arts in Music from New York University, and a Master of Arts in Administration & Supervision from Montclair State University. He was certified as a teacher, supervisor, and principal; he had two certificates of eligibility as a school administrator and school business administrator. He was an educator in every sense of the word, mentoring students in both the classroom and in private lessons. We were so very proud of him when he was Grammy nominated for Educator of the Year. He attended the Grammy Awards in NY that year, and even walked down the red carpet.

A nickname from his friends was “Saxman,” and a devoted musician he was. From the day he picked up a saxophone, he knew that his heart belonged to music. He played with some amazing musicians over his long career including Jon Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, Cyndi Lauper to name a few. He was part of some truly great bands - some unique as Dr. C & The Eksjookes, Skanatra, Sticky Fingers, the Cavetones - and big bands such as the NY Supper Club. He performed in just about every bar and restaurant on the Jersey shore. Paul held Nardi’s in high esteem because that is where he met his wife, Adrianne. From the first words spoken, they were an item, destined to be together always. They were married on October 10, 1998; they just celebrated 23 years of marriage, already looking to put together a 25th silver wedding anniversary party.

As a teacher, no one displayed and offered as much to his students - he wanted everyone he touched to be successful and enjoy the music that was shared. Paul was always profoundly touched when a former student would tell him how much he inspired him/her. He had a way with people - he loved sharing his passion for music - and it showed in everything he did.

He loved to cook - homemade “Papa Pizzas” were a massive favorite at the LaPilusa home. No one made chicken soup as delicious, or took the care to make macaroni and meatballs as amazing. Whatever he cooked, he did it with love. Everything tasted delicious because Paul put his heart and soul into it.

Paul was devoted to his children, and was so incredibly proud of them. He was thrilled when Gina decided to attend William Paterson for music. He supported Vincenzo’s excitement in the theatre. Never was a father as willing to jump in and play - always willing to be by their side and in the mix of things. Since they were babies, he was a caring and loving father that made bottles and changed diapers - he loved taking the kids for walks to the swings and of course, the pool.

Paul was a loving husband whose absence will be intensely felt by his wife, Adrianne. He was a prince, a sweet soul, an amazing man. He was full of life, music, and laughter. He filled the world with joy. He was faithful, and always looked to God for guidance and support. Simply, he was beautiful.

His memory will be cherished and kept alive by his wife Adrianne, and his two children, Gina and Vincenzo, and his mother-in-law, Jean Asti, who held a special place in his heart. Surviving Paul are his siblings Frank LaPilusa, John LaPilusa, and Joanne Szklarski, along with 6 nephews/niece. Best friends from high school, local friends from town, cousins, and colleagues from different positions make up his amazing social reach.

Paul was one of the kindest, giving, and gentlest souls that we knew. He is greatly missed, and we hope to meet again one day, in a place where there is nothing but joy, love, laughter, and music. To celebrate Paul’s life, play some music - write a song - do something nice for someone who needs it. Think like Paul and you’ll never go wrong.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 24th from 1 - 5pm, at Goble Funeral Home, 22 Main St., Sparta NJ. A funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of the Lake RC Church, 294 S. Sparta Ave., Sparta NJ on Monday October 25, at 10AM. Interment will immediately follow at Immaculate Conception RC Cemetery, 712 Grove St., Montclair, NJ.