John James Annillo, Ret., Principal,
Park Ridge HS, age 91, passed away Friday, Feb. 16th, 2018. John was born Jan. 21, 1927, second generation to an Italian immigrant family in West New York, NJ, to Carmen Annillo and Theresa Arcuro.
John grew up in Union City, NJ and received a diploma from Emerson HS, where he participated in various sports such as football, track and field, and became Captain of the gymnastic team. John proudly served in World War II in the Naval Air Force as an Aviation Radioman 3rd Class USN,
where he flew Torpedo and Dive Bombers. During his service he became an US Naval Champion Boxer. After an Honorable Discharge, he went on to obtain his private pilot license. His love for aviation prompted him to purchase several aircrafts and he lived his dream flying high over the skies of New Jersey. In 1946 he enrolled in New Jersey State Teacher's College where he received his B.S. in elementary education. Then John went on to receive his Master's Degree in 1953 from Seton Hall University.
In 1966 John became Assistant Principal at Park Ridge High School. After four successful years he was promoted to Principal at East Brook Elementary School. In 1991, upon retirement after 30 years of exemplary service in education, the Mayor Richard Mancinelli proclaimed Friday December 20, 1991 as John J Annillo Day in the borough, where the Mayor personally delivered an Emeritus Status to the retired principal. John was a personable, dependable professional who firmly believed that "To teach
is to touch on immortality"; he worked and lived accordingly. In between career achievements, John was a member of the Football Officials Association for over 20 years, officiating at many state championship games. His hobbies included gardening, handball, golfing, flying and his favorite - billiards, where his mastery and skills earned him the nickname of "Joe Cool". John also enjoyed Tango and Ballroom dancing where on occasion he would travel to Argentina to participate in various dance
competitions. John was a devout Catholic and Parishioner of Our Lady of Mercy Church, Park Ridge, NJ. Being a proud Veteran, he became a member of the American Legion Post #153 in Park Ridge. John was someone you would say you were proud to know. Integrity, Patriotism and Religion were not just words for him, it was a way of life. People around him respected his views and admired him for the kind of life he led. He was a renaissance man which earned him the well-deserved honorary title of the
"Great J.A." Sadly, John's younger brother, Carmen Annillo Jr. passed away on December 30, 2017, and his niece Lynn Ann on April 8, 2017. John is survived by his sister-in-law Joan Annillo, nephews John and Carmen, nieces Debbie, Dawn and Joan Rose, great nieces Jennifer and Stephanie, all of which reside in Las Vegas, NV. A Funeral Mass celebrating John's life and faith will be held at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 2 Freemont Avenue, Park Ridge on Saturday, February 24, 2018 at 10am. Following the
Mass, the family will receive relatives and friends at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, on Saturday February 24th from 12pm - 3pm. Flowers will be accepted or in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice in memory of John.
