Noel Ross Pellizzi

Noel Pellizzi, of Brooklyn, NY, died peacefully on June 5, 2020, at his daughter’s home in Monmouth Beach, NJ, after a brief but brave battle with glioblastoma.

A born beach-lover, Noel enjoyed many memorable summer stays at the Jersey Shore—from Sea Bright to Cape May—with his best friend and wife of 22 years, Tina Erickson-Pellizzi. An avid New York Rangers fan but far more devoted husband, Noel forgave Tina for making him miss the Rangers’ winning overtime goal in Game 7 of the 1994 Stanley Cup playoffs, proving his everlasting love and commitment to their marital union. A loving and proud father to Lauren Noelle, he sentimentally kept her giant but cherished childhood friend “Big Bear,” in full display under his watchful possession, despite it not going with any of his home décor.

Born in Ozone Park, NY, Noel spent his early childhood in Red Cloud, Nebraska on family farms. The family relocated to Keansburg, NJ, where he spent his school years and attended St Ann’s elementary School and Mater Dei High School in Middletown, NJ. A graduate of St. John’s University, Noel embarked on an early career in various small businesses before turning his sights to education. He was an English teacher in the NYC public schools and taught in Brooklyn, NY, for more than 30 years until his retirement in 2010. His passion was nurturing the talents of aspiring young writers and poets. Many former students were among annual prize winners in NYC writing contests.

Noel leaves behind many loving family members including siblings Linda Shanley and her husband AJ; Judi Zeilsdorff and her husband Rick; Thomas and his wife Deborah; Patrick and his wife Donna; twelve nieces and nephews, who knew him (rumored by bribery on his part) as “favorite uncle Noel,” and their children, his great grandnieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, John Pellizzi, and his beloved mother, Doris Johnson Pellizzi of Keansburg, NJ, whose kind and generous spirit and traditional Midwestern values he embodied.

Due to the current pandemic and limitations, all funeral arrangements remain private. Memorial services celebrating his life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to https://glioblastomafoundation.org/get-involved/donate or https://glioblastomafoundation-remember-honor.everydayhero.com/us/because-we-hate-glioblastoma/wizard/share in Noel's memory.

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