Pietro Pete Ciccolella

January 16, 1931 - March 11, 2019

Born in Molfetta, Italy to Antonio and Francesca Ciccolella (nee Magarelli). Served in the Italian Navy and Italian Merchant Marines. Emigrated to the United States in 1958. Met and married Mafalda Donato. Became a United States Citizen in 1964. Raised 2 children, Anthony and Frances. Grandfather to Justin and Aaron. Great-Grandfather to AJ, James, Sophia and Adrianna.Worked since he was 9 as a child in Italy during World War II. In America, he started as a day laborer, then went to school to learn English and diesel mechanics, later working in automobile, truck and heavy equipment repair, although his lifelong dream was to own a fish market. He enjoyed the ocean, Red Zinfandel, long naps on the couch on Saturday afternoons, big family dinners on Sunday, mall walking, jumbo shrimp in Atlantic City, grilling sausages and chicken in the back yard, roasting chestnuts and big trays of diced potatoes in the oven. Most of all, he loved playing with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Retired in 1997, moved to Seabrook Village in 2015 where he spent the rest of his days walking, walking, and more walking, entertaining friends with jokes and laughter, and dancing with Mafalda, his beloved wife of 61 years. A celebration of his life will be held at Seabrook Village, 3000 Essex Road, Tinton Falls NJ, on Monday, March 25 at 10 a.m., in the Town Square Atrium. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the cancer research charity of your choice.