Aldo Virginio

Aldo Virginio (65) of Woodland Park, NJ passed away on Sunday, July 21st, 2024 at home surrounded by his loving family after a courageous and long-fought battle with Esophageal Cancer. His time on this earth may seem short, but he leaves behind a long legacy of incredible achievements and an everlasting impact on the hearts of all those he encountered.

 As a true entrepreneur in every sense of the word, Aldo definitely did things his way. At a very early age, he possessed an undeniable desire to create his own path in life by creating a multitude of successful businesses widely ranging from the restaurant/bar industry to funeral home ownership. His unyielding drive lead him to find innovative ways to overcome any obstacle in an effort to make all his concepts come to fruition.

 Prior to graduating from Lyndhurst High School in 1976, Aldo’s strong work ethic and business sense was already forming. He participated on the Football & Wrestling Teams and took great pride in being a ‘Golden Bear’. On the weekends, he began commuting to New York City where he learned how to become a chef while working in Gian Marino’s Restaurant. Shortly after graduation, his passion for food and the service industry lead him to start his own restaurant named Aldo’s Hideaway. He quickly transitioned the restaurant into a vibrant well-known night club known as the legendary “Aldo’s Dance Club” located in Lyndhurst NJ. His love for music, food, people, and business, did not stop there. 

Aldo became a very prominent business owner. Although most notably known in the entertainment industry for ‘Aldo’s Dance Club’, he was also involved in several other businesses including Pharaoh’s & Club 115, in Long Branch NJ, The Cavern, in New York City, Legends & The Rocking Horse Saloon, in Belleville NJ, while simultaneously managing construction projects through his real estate company, Doval Realty. As if all these businesses were not keeping him busy enough, he purchased a funeral home and then decided to pursue an education in Mortuary Science. He graduated from Mercer County Community College, and officially became a licensed funeral director in 2007. To others, this may seem a drastic change from bar owner to funeral home director/owner, however to Aldo, the two professions were linked by his innate ability to serve people and continuing on with the celebration of life, just in a different setting.

Aldo served as the President of the Home School Association & Board Member of Collegiate School in Passaic NJ, where he initiated the Abbott Program for Pre-School children. He also was a member of Unico, the American Kennel Club, the Passaic County Funeral Directors Association, the New Jersey State Funeral Directors Association, as well as a coach for the traveling fast-pitch girls softball team ‘Clifton Cobras’, which he lead to multiple championships.

 In 1978, Aldo met the love of his life, Dawn Marie Scelfo, who actively supported every business venture that he wanted to pursue. They married in 1980 and later had two children, who made their lives even busier, but in a good way. Aldo enjoyed every minute with his girls. He did not miss a beat, even if he had to show up at the softball field with the hearse. He looked forward to all of his girls’ sporting events and educational endeavors.

The only thing that surpassed his love for golf, the New York Yankees, and the Dallas Cowboys, was the love he felt for his family. In addition to being a wonderful husband and amazing father, he took on a special role in many people’s lives as a father-figure, mentor, and in some cases, an advisor to those making tough decisions or needing guidance. He acquired many close friendships in his lifetime. He was a kind, jovial, caring person with a heart of gold and good sense of humor that will be dearly missed.

 Pre-deceased by his brother, Joseph Lino Virginio, his father, Lino Virginio, and his in-laws, Noreen E. Scelfo & Frank O. Scelfo.

Survived by his beloved wife of 43 years, Dawn Marie Virginio (née Scelfo) of Woodland Park NJ; two loving daughters, Tiffany Taylor Virginio and fiancée Dr. Kevin Dale Toss, and Alanna Brooke Virginio, all of Woodland Park NJ; his adored mother, Mildred Virginio, of Brick NJ; his cherished sister, Linda Podlas and her husband Michael J. Podlas, of Brick NJ; two devoted sister-in-laws, April A. Ray and her husband, Warren Binns, of Pleasant Mount, PA, and Heather J. Scelfo and her wife Susan Walters, of Port Saint Lucie, FL. He will be dearly missed by many aunts, uncles, cousins, life-long special friends, neighbors, as well as his pride and joy “Kahli”, the best Platt hound around, and “Ezra”, his crazy Kitty. 

Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 28th, 2024 from 2:00pm-6:00pm in Ippolito Stellato Funeral Home, 425 Ridge Road, Lyndhurst NJ. Mass will be celebrated on Monday, July 29th, 2024 at 10:00am in Sacred Heart Church, 324 Ridge Road, Lyndhurst NJ. Entombment, to follow, at Holy Cross Cemetery & Mausoleum, 340 Ridge Road, Lyndhurst NJ.

The Virginio family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all those who supported Aldo by lifting his spirits, offering prayers, and continued support during this difficult time. Your thoughtfulness is greatly appreciated and will never be forgotten.