Cav Gennaro Recchione, born on June 7, 1928, passed away on March 30, 2026. Gennaro Recchione, a true gentleman and a Man of Distinction lived a full life of achievements and accolades. On June 2, 1997, during the celebration of Italian National Day, Gennaro received the honorific title of Cavaliere OMRI – Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana - the Order of Knighthood.
To be honored during the celebration of Italian National Day is an exceptional and momentous achievement in itself. The President of the Republic, Luigi Scalfaro bestowed upon Gennaro Recchione the high honor of Knight Officer for his forty years of exceptional and faithful service to the Italian Republic.
During the moving and significant ceremony, the Consul General of Italy in New York, the Hon. Franco Mistretta recounted the high significance of receiving the recognition - a tribute to the integrity and diligence Gennaro had demonstrated throughout the years in the performance of his duties and the Content of his Character.
A native of the Abruzzo region – born in Pescara - he was hired by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after having served as a young communications officer at NATO. He was then transferred to the Consulate General of Italy in New York, where he was respected and esteemed by his superiors and by all his colleagues. Many of whom began their careers in New York before going on to become distinguished Ambassadors themselves. Countless Officials held him in high esteem - expressing gratitude for his attentive guidance in those early years and maintaining personal lifelong relationships.
Gennaro Recchione was transferred in 1987 to the Consulate General of Italy in Philadelphia, were he continued to distinguish himself through the invaluable work he performed and the affection he garnered within the Community, confirming his ability to enhance public regard for the Consular Offices and to bring a sense of serenity to the workplace. He continued to serve as a point of reference within his community, where he was deeply appreciated for his exceptional human qualities. He stood as a true example – not only for his own children, Michele and Luciana, but for all young people who must learn to appreciate the importance of Civic Duty and loyalty to both their homeland andtheir country of origin.
Another prideful day and milestone was the day he took the oath to become an American Citizen. Two flags one heart.
A man who lived his life with a smile and an optimistic outlook that was hard to ignore. He was not only a loving father to his children, but became a father figure to anyone who needed his quiet strength and unconditional affection.
It might have been his love of sports and that sense of fair play that shaped his life – he was a lifeguard on the beach of his beloved Pescara, a soccer player and Golden Glove Boxer. That sportsmanship, that sense of a fairness, that handshake after a game – win or lose - never left him.
He is survived by his wife, Elisabetta and children Michele and Luciana and a large extended family he truly loved, who will remember him always for his presence in their lives and his endless silly stories trying to make them smile.
A visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at The Lehrer-Gibilisco Funeral Home located at 275 West Milton Avenue in Rahway, NJ.
Family and friends will gather again at the funeral home on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 9:00 am and then proceed to church. A Funeral Mass will begin at 10:30 am at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Church located at 259 Oliver Street in Newark, NJ. Entombment will immediately follow at St. Gertrude Cemetery located at 53 Inman Avenue in Colonia, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, donations in the name of Cav Gennaro Recchione will be gratefully accepted by the Societa' Madonna della Fontana at the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, c/o Mr. Eric Lavin, 259 Oliver Street Newark, NJ 07105. Mr. Lavin can be reached at [email protected].
