Obituary of John T. Rillo

John Thomas Rillo, 95, a longtime Madison resident, passed away on Wednesday, October 23, 2024.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 52 years, Maryann; and his brother Thomas Rillo.

John leaves behind two daughters; Jacqueline Fligner and Linda Vega, two Sons-in-law, Mark Fligner and Carlos Vega, and a treasured grandchild, Michael Vega and his wife, Savanna as well as many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

John was born in Summit, New Jersey, to the late Theodore and Louise Rillo and raised there.  

John served his country honorably in the United States Navy from 1950 to 1954 in the Korean War aboard the USS Henley DD 762.

He had a long career working in the plumbing and HVAC trades.  Early in his career he worked for PSE&G and then as a chemical pipe fitter for Ciba-Geigy in Summit before his retirement.

John enjoyed fishing, boating, riding his Harley Davidson, but mostly spending time with his family.  

John was also a man of great faith, volunteering as an usher and greeter at St. Vincent Martyr Church for over 10 years.

John will be deeply missed, but his family takes comfort in knowing he is at peace.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at St. Vincent Martyr Church, 26 Green Village Road, Madison. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend a gathering for John prior to the Mass from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. in the front vestibule of the church. Those who wish may attend the Mass virtually by visiting www.svmnj.org.

Interment with military honors will follow at St. Teresa's Cemetery, Summit.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made in John’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675.