Obituary of John J. Cariddi

Cariddi, Honorable John J., of Mahwah, NJ and Jensen Beach, FL, died September 18, 2008 at his home in Jensen Beach, FL. Born in the Province of Reggio Calabria, John was raised in a small village of 850. At the age of 5, John's family immigrated to the United States settling in Hackensack, NJ, where he lived until May, 1986. Graduating from Manhattan College in Riverdale, NY, where he majored in Political Science, he decided that the practice of law was his calling. Enrolling in the University of Miami, Florida Law School, his scholastic abilities enabled him to graduate in the top ¼ of his class. In 1943, after having graduated from college where he was in the US Army Air Force Reserve, John was called to active duty and shipped overseas to the largest Air Force Base (8th Air Force) as a Criminal Investigator with the Provost Marshall's Office. He remained there for four years, where he met his wife, Joyce, a lovely and talented English woman. John and Joyce were married in 1947, and finally returned to the United States to resume their life. John became an attorney in 1955 and was an active trial lawyer, primarily in Criminal and Matrimonial areas of the law. The New York Times referred to him in a prominent article as "one of the five best Criminal Trial Lawyers in the State of New Jersey". During his practice at various times, five of his associates became prominent attorneys, and several hold public office. In 1971, Governor Cahill nominated John to the Bergen County District Court where he served with distinction before being elevated to the Bergen County Court in 1972. Subsequently, he was appointed to the Superior Court, having served for about 16 years on the Bench. During the years from 1955 to 1971, John served various municipalities as Prosecutor for the City of Hackensack, Borough of Little Ferry, Township of South Hackensack, and the Borough of Midland Park. He was also appointed City Attorney for the City of Hackensack in 1968. During this period of time, he also served as Secretary to the Minority Leader of the New Jersey Assembly. John retired from the bench on August 1, 1986, and is now associated with the law firm of Galantucci and Patuto of Hackensack as "Of Counsel". In September, 1986, the firm was appointed City Attorney for Hackensack. John was a member of St. Paul's RC Church, Ramsey. He was past commander of VFW Post 55, Demarest, NJ and was a member of the Palisades Park Chapter UNICO. John is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Joyce (nee Dutton) Cariddi of Mahwah, NJ and Jensen Beach, FL and his two sons; Robert Cariddi of Palm City, FL and Frank Cariddi of Mahwah, NJ and two grandchildren, Mackenzie and Frankie John Cariddi, of Mahwah, NJ. Also surviving is his brother, Thomas Cariddi of Mahwah, NJ and two sisters; Francis Zoccoli of Ramsey, NJ and Rose Capaci of Mahwah, NJ. Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, 10:00 AM at St. Paul's RC Church, 200 Wyckoff Ave., Ramsey, NJ. Interment will follow in Maryrest Cemetery, Mahwah, NJ. Visiting is Wednesday 2-4 & 7-9 PM, at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home, 257 Godwin Ave., Wyckoff, NJ www.vpfh.com. In memory of John, memorial contributions may be made to the Treasure Coast Hospice, 1202 SE Indian St., Stuart, FL 34997 or at (772) 403-4530 or at www.tchospices.org.