Memorial trees planted for:

Basil J. Pizzuto

Basil Pizzuto, 49, died suddenly on November 23rd at Valley Hospital with his family by his side. He was born in Hackensack, NJ on November 24, 1972, son of Carmen J. Pizzuto and Judith Guerrette, both deceased. He married Adriana Couter Pizzuto in 1999, and the couple has two children, Owen (18) and Aiden (15). He was a graduate of Montclair State University with a degree in Math Education and earned two Masters degrees in Educational Technology and Educational Leadership.In addition to his parents, wife and sons, Basil’s extended family includes step-father Joseph Evans (deceased) and step-mother Myra Pizzuto Pecchio; siblings Kathleen Romaglio (deceased), Carmen J. Pizzuto, Danielle Williams Norcia, Aubrey Evans Sensbach, Sara Pizzuto Scaglione, Dominic Pizzuto, Heidi Pizzuto- Sabat, Linda Evans Clifton; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Jimmie Romaglio, Debbie Pizzuto, Joseph Norcia, Mike Sensbach, Brian Scaglione, Melissa Pizzuto, Michael Sabat, Wesley Clifton (deceased); godchildren James Romaglio, Devin Wehmeyer, Jolie Tannucilli and Alexandra Salerno; and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, uncles, and aunts. He also leaves behind a legion of dear friends and colleagues, all of whom hold him in the highest esteem. Basil exemplified service in all aspects of his life. As a beloved Ridgewood High School educator, dedicated Saddle Brook Volunteer fire fighter, and passionate musician at St. Philip the Apostle church, he enriched the lives of thousands. Hired as a RHS math teacher in 1997, Basil’s titles during his 24-year career there included Lead Grade Administrator, Interim Co-Principal with Jeff Nyhuis, and Assistant Principal in charge of Administration and Student Services. Described by many as the heart and soul of the school, he was everyone’s go-to person and was never too busy to help or advise a student or colleague. As Lead Grade Advisor and Assistant Principal, he argued ceaselessly for a mission-driven, student-centered approach to all decision making. Many students struggling in school or in their lives made their way to his office, and his compassion and commitment made a positive difference in their lives. Combining two loves - - for young people and for travel - - Basil led many educational trips to oversees destinations, including Germany, Italy, Iceland, Greece, and Eastern Europe. He is a beloved figure for generations of RHS students. Basil dedicated 32 years of service as a volunteer firefighter for the Saddle Brook Fire Department. He started his career at 16 as a junior firefighter and then worked his way up to a regular member, before serving as an engineer, lieutenant, and captain. He also served in the role of Assistant Chaplain. Basil had a significant impact on all the members of the fire department, and his memory will live on. Music was a vital part of Basil’s life. He started piano lessons with Paula Plaiti at age 10; among the pieces he mastered at a young age were Beethoven’s Ode to Joy and Fur Elise, and Bach’s Prelude in C. At 14, he began organ lessons with Joseph Wozniak with whom he learned Bach’s Preludes. He played his first church mass at age 17 at St. Philip’s, accompanied by Barbara Pernetti. After playing the organ at St. Nicholas in Jersey City, Basil was hired by St. Philip’s in 1992 as their full-time organist. Outside of church, Basil found many opportunities to perform music, often with his colleagues and students. His taste in music was eclectic; his favorite composers were Vidor and Veirne, but he was equally enamored of The Beatles, The Grateful Dead, and The Cure, among many others. He had a huge music collection and loved attending concerts or listening to Howard Stern interviews of his favorite musicians. While his time on earth has been cut tragically short, Basil had a profound influence on innumerable people and lived his life to its fullest every day. Once, when contemplating his inevitable mortality, Basil remarked, “Well, I’ve had a good run.” Indeed, in not quite 50 years, Basil lived and loved more than most.In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Basil’s love and generosity by making a donation to your favorite charity. To visit Basil's go fund me memorial please visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/basil-pizzuto-memorial

November 23, 2022

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Basil J. Pizzuto

34 Trees have been planted in memory of Basil Pizzuto.

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Memorial Trees

Mary N., Alex K., Steve T., Katrina S.M., Aleth R.

December 04, 2022

The planting of 3 memorial trees in the honor of Basil J. Pizzuto has been arranged by Mary N., Alex K., Steve T., Katrina S.M., Aleth R.. Plant a tree

Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss... Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Class of 2004.

Aisha, Cory, Liana, Brody, Max Wilbur

November 29, 2022

The planting of 3 memorial trees in the honor of Basil J. Pizzuto has been arranged by Aisha, Cory, Liana, Brody, Max Wilbur. Plant a tree

Remembering you and Basil Pizzuto in our minds and in our hearts.

November 26, 2022

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Basil J. Pizzuto has been arranged by Dominic and family. Plant a tree

The Kozlowicz Brothers

November 26, 2022

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Basil J. Pizzuto has been arranged by The Kozlowicz Brothers. Plant a tree

We will always keep you close in our hearts.