Albert F. Mancuso

Albert F. Mancuso, 86, of Fairfield, NJ, on Monday, March 7, 2011. Beloved husband for 57 years of Rosa (nee Trento) Mancuso. Loving father of Sally-Anne Pentz, Valerie Petroski and Frank Albert Mancuso. Dear brother of Claire Lazaro, Rose Mancuso, Eugene & his wife Rose Mancuso and the late Edward, Dr. Bruno, & Violet Mancuso and Vera Cerino. Adored grandfather of Alana R. Pentz, Nicholas & his wife Danielle Mancuso, Christianne Schaible and Frank Petroski and one great-grandbaby due in August. Also survived by many favorite nieces & nephews. He was lucky to have great in-laws, Sam & Florence Trento, whom he just adored. Albert was born in Newark to the late Florence & Frank Mancuso. He grew up in the First Ward and his fondest memories were those happy days, good friends, the feasts, & St. Lucy's Church. Mr. Mancuso graduated from Barringer High School and worked at his family's barber shop in Kearny before leaving for the war. Albert served with Company C 128th Infantry Regiment 32nd Division. He was deployed to the South Pacific and fought battles in New Guinea, Southern Philippines and Luzon. He was wounded three times in action, the last time leaving him in critical condition completely paralyzed. Since his brother, Dr. Bruno Mancuso, was stationed 35 miles away, he was summoned and immediately took charge. Miraculously, it was through his brother's intervention that his life was spared. Mancuso was awarded the Purple Heart with 2 Oak Leaf clusters, Combat Infantry Badge, the Bronze Star Medal, WWII Victory Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Ribbon with 1 Bronze Star, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 2 Bronze Campaign Stars, American Theater Ribbon and the Presidential Citation. Al was the past Commander of VFW #7925 and was the Grand Marshal of the 1999 Fairfield Independence Day Parade. Al loved life and adored his family which was evident in his lightheartedness and joking ways. He traveled the country with his children and grandchildren and instilled in them a strong work ethic. Funeral Saturday at 9 AM from the Ippolito-Stellato Funeral Home, 7 Two Bridges Road, Fairfield. Funeral Mass 10 AM Notre Dame R.C. Church, North Caldwell. Interment Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover. Friends will be received Friday 1-3 & 6-9 PM. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Disabled American Veterans of New Jersey, 135 West Hanover Street, 4th Floor, Trenton NJ 08618.