James F. Lodato

James F. Lodato, of Bergenfield, NJ entered eternal life on June 11, 2017. He was born October 17, 1927 in Brooklyn, NY. He grew up in Ridgefield, NJ and after marriage moved to Bergenfield, NJ for more than 60 years. Jim was the youngest son of the late Thomas and Mary Lodato. Devoted husband of the late Georgiana Lodato for more than 48 years. Graduated Dwight Morrow High School, Englewood, NJ in 1946. Jim obtained his Bachelor's Degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, NJ in 1961. From 1952 to 1954 he served in the US Army in Fort Bragg, NC earning the rank of Sgt. in the 82 Airborne Division. Loving Father of August T. (Lisa) of Baltimore, MD; Thomas (Mary Ann) of Bergenfield, NJ, and James (Victoria) of Bergenfield, NJ. Adored grandfather of Kristina, Julia, and Matthew Lodato of Bergenfield, NJ. Loving brother of Joseph and his wife Linda (Palm Coast, FL). Loving uncle of many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by brothers August of Ridgefield, NJ and Peter of New Milford, NJ. Jim worked for 32 years for American Home Products as a salesman, and as a National Account Executive. After retirement, he. enjoyed working as a substitute teacher for the Bergenfield and Tenafly School Districts. He was a parishioner of St. John's Roman Catholic Church in Bergenfield, NJ for more than 55 years. The only thing Jim loved more than his family was the town of Bergenfield, and he dedicated himself to its service. He was most proud of the fact that all 3 of his sons have also spent a good portion of their life in service to others through volunteering, due to his example. He was a member of the Bergenfield Democratic Party for more than 55 years. He was elected to public office for 22 years, the most of any elected official in the history of Bergenfield. He served as councilman for 18 years, and as mayor for 4 years, and always loved being hailed as Mr. Mayor around town, years after he completed his term. Among his many roles, he was a member of the Bergenfield Library Board, Bergenfield Planning Board, and Bergenfield Senior Citizens Advisory Board and was especially proud to represent Bergenfield as its Police Commissioner and its Fire Commissioner. Jim loved the NY Yankees, the NY Giants and most especially his family. He loved taking care of people, and when you walked into his home, his first question would always be, "Can I get you something to eat?" He was a kind, generous man who will be missed by so many, but we take comfort in knowing he is joining his beloved wife and other family members in heaven. Visitation will be at Riewerts Memorial Home, 187 S. Washington Avenue, Bergenfield, NJ on Friday June 16, 2017 from 2-4 and 7-9PM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10AM at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church in Bergenfield, NJ on Saturday June 17, 2017 at 10 AM. Interment will follow at St. Nicholas Cemetery, Lodi, NJ. Donations can be made to the Bergenfield Fire Training Center, PO Box 5216, Bergenfield, NJ 07621

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Funeral Home: Riewerts Memorial Home 187 So. Washington Ave. Bergenfield, NJ US 07621

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Previous Events

visitation
Friday, June 16, 2017
cemetery
Saturday, June 17, 2017
service
Saturday, June 17, 2017