Frank Ottavio Scelfo

Frank Ottavio Scelfo (90) of Rutherford, peacefully passed away on Saturday, February 6th, 2021. Born in Hillside, NJ to James N. Scelfo and Anna Scelfo (née Callendriello).

After graduating from Passaic High School in 1949, he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Seton Hall University by 1953. Frank enlisted in the United States Army, proudly serving in the Korean War from 1953-1955. After being honorably discharged, he married the love of his life, Noreen Elizabeth Redmond, and later went on to work for Western Electric, of Kearny NJ, while simultaneously attending Fairleigh Dickinson University from which he earned a second Bachelor's Degree. He returned to Seton Hall University as an honored guest for his 50th Year Graduation Anniversary in June 2003.

He became a very prominent business owner, most notably known for the Statesmen Lounge, Sergio's Lounge, Interlude Lounge, Ironbound Pub, and Marbella Restaurant, all of Newark NJ, in addition to, Zip'z Ice Cream in Roselle, The Ice Cream Factory, in Lyndhurst NJ, and The Lunch Box in Orange NJ.

Due to his love of sports and with his three daughters at the forefront, he became a very active member of the Board of Recreation of Rutherford, where he not only coached girl's softball, but also implemented programs for the town such as Judo, Archery, Basketball Intramural's, Softball, Ice Skating, Skiing Trips, Tennis, Baseball, and Jaycee Champion Competitions. He was also instrumental in the building and development of two brand new softball fields at Memorial Field in Rutherford. One of his major events was when he commissioned the use of a military helicopter in celebration of Memorial Day to provide rides to residents and their children around the town.

In his spare time, he became a Girl Scout Troop Leader of Troop #1 along with his dear friends, Mr. Kurt Kuenzle and Mr. Thomas Vaughn. He also coached the Rutherford Junior Football League known as the Eagles at Tamblyn Field.

Frank was a member of the Rutherford Republican Committee, the Elk's Club, Knights of Columbus, the American Legion, and Unico, all of Rutherford, NJ, as well as the American Kennel Club. As an owner and breeder of boxers, he took part in many dog shows including the Westminister Dog Show in New York City, where one of his cherished canine companions, Buddy, known as "Kojak Von San Remo", won 'Best of Breed' on the east coast.

During his retirement, he enjoyed cheering his grandchildren on during all of their sporting events, wintering in Hutchinson’s Island, FL, and summering in Long Branch, NJ. He was also a dedicated General Hospital viewer, movie enthusiast, and animal lover.

Pre-deceased by his beloved wife, Noreen Elizabeth Scelfo (5-20-2016). Survived by his three daughters, April Ray, and her husband Warren Binns, of Pleasant Mount, PA, Dawn M. Virginio and her husband Aldo Virginio, of Woodland Park, and Heather J. Scelfo, and her wife Susan Walters, of Port Saint Lucie, FL; 1 sister-in-law, Janice Mallett, and her husband Keith Gordon Mallett, of Rutherford; 2 granddaughters, Tiffany Taylor Virginio and Alanna Brooke Virginio, both of Woodland Park; 4 nieces, Pamela Mallett, of California, Patricia Knight, of Wyckoff, Cindy Feuss, of Glen Rock, and Cathy Mallett, of Rutherford. Will be dearly missed by many cousins, great nieces and nephews, cherished family friends and neighbors, his adoring and loyal caregiver “Diana” and her entire family, as well as his pride and joy “Dozer”, his baby bulldog.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 13th, 2021 from 8:00am-9:45am in Funeraria Alvarez, 66 Passaic Avenue, Passaic NJ. Mass, to follow, at 10:00am in Our Lady of Mount Carmel, 10 Saint Francis Way, Passaic NJ. Entombment, 11:30am in Holy Cross Cemetery, 340 Ridge Road, North Arlington.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in honor of Frank O. Scelfo to the Rutherford Library at 150 Park Avenue, Rutherford NJ or to the NJ Boxer Rescue at www.njboxerrescue.com