Francesco “Ciccio” Aiello, age 83 years, of Kenilworth, NJ, died peacefully on Saturday, March 16, 2024, surrounded by his cherished family.

Ciccio will be forever remembered as a loving and loyal husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to everyone he met.

His story begins in Castiglione Cosentino, Italy on March 22, 1940. He was the son of the late Agostino Aiello and Elisa Cesario, and the eldest son in a family of nine children. Ciccio was a bright, obedient, and hard-working young man. At the age of seventeen he left Italy to join his sister Emma in Argentina. He settled in the Tablada neighborhood of Buenos Aires when his remaining siblings and parents joined them in 1962.

While there, Ciccio worked for Pirelli Tires as a cable engineer. There he made many friends, including Giacomo Pontoriero who eventually became his brother-in-law and lifelong friend. In Tablada he also met Antonio Petracca who would become like a brother to him and eventually lead him to his wife, Rachele.

In 1972, he moved to Leichlingen, Germany with his brother Orlando. The two brothers lived and worked side-by-side. Four years later, they would emigrate to the United States to join their siblings Mario and Yolanda in Newark; they were also later joined by their brother Alfredo and mother.

Shortly thereafter Ciccio paid his friend Antonio a visit. It was then he met Antonio’s sister and the love of his life, Rachele. After a brief courtship the pair were married in 1977 and settled in Kenilworth, NJ to raise their three children.

Ciccio was a kind, loving husband and “Papa”. He worked tirelessly to provide for his family, employed by Ruesch Machinery as a skilled electrician for nearly 20 years until his retirement. He instilled in his children not only his work ethic, but a deep love of family. Between his own family and Rachele’s family, whom Ciccio adopted as his own, there was always a sense of togetherness, love and laughter.

As his children grew and married, Ciccio entered a new phase in life once becoming a grandfather. As “Nonno” he lavished love and attention on his six grandchildren, who have spent countless hours in Nonno’s arms, at his table, and in his yard. Nothing gave him greater joy than to see their faces light up as he pushed them in the swing or gave them a sweet treat.

Ciccio’s home was a central hub for family and friends. Whether you visited for a quick espresso or to enjoy a plate of pasta on Sunday you were always welcome. Maintaining food traditions was also a large part of his life. The production of homemade sopressatta, nduja, tomato sauce, and wine was always a social event. In the summer he would share from his impressive garden and could be relied upon for Argentine carne asada. He also used his skills as an electrician and handyman to help all of his family and friends. When he did find time to relax Ciccio could be found reading the news, playing a spirited game of Scopa, or watching a classic Western, Formula 1, or soccer on TV.

Ciccio is predeceased by his parents, brother Adolfo “Alfredo”, brothers in law Ettore and Giacomo “Jack”.

Surviving are his cherished and devoted wife, Rachele; their children, Monica (Matthew) Ireland, Michael (Raquel) Aiello, and Melissa (Joseph) Rossi; his grandchildren, Parker and Nora Ireland, Lily and Lucas Aiello, and Leo and Francesco Rossi. He is also fondly remembered by his brothers Umberto (Filomena), Silvio (Rosa), Orlando (Marina), and Gregorio (Elba); his sisters Emma Aiello, Maria (Juan) Pate, and Vanda “Yolanda” Pontoriero; many nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends made around the world.

Visitation will be Wednesday, March 20, 2024 from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Mastapeter Funeral Home, 400 Faitoute Avenue, Roselle Park. Funeral mass will be on Thursday, March 21, 2024 at 10:30 AM at St. Theresa’s Church, 541 Washington Avenue, Kenilworth. Burial will take place at Fairview Cemetery, East Broad Street, Westfield.

Flowers can be purchased by visiting donatoflowers.com or by calling 908-245-1330.