Obituary of Vito Terranova

Vito Terranova, Jr., a longtime Madison resident, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 1, 2024. He was 74.

Vito leaves behind his beloved wife of 17 years, Carol Terranova (née LoSapio); his three cherished daughters, Donna Riola (Ken), Nicole Crubaugh (Jason), and Tara Salomone (David); one brother, Peter Terranova (Terri); two sisters, Sally Cascio (Pete) and Patricia Terranova Deutsch (Michael); five treasured grandchildren, Maleah, Daisy, Gabriel, Michael, and Anthony; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by one brother, John Terranova; and one sister, Anna Maria Metzler.

Vito was born in Elizabeth on January 19, 1950 to the late Vito, Sr. and Anna Maria Terranova (née DePaola). He grew up in Elizabeth and moved to Madison in the early 80s.

In 1969 at the age of 19, Vito was drafted into the United States Army. He served his country honorably for 2 years stationed in Germany.

Vito met his future wife, Carol, on a blind date in 2001 at Charlie Brown’s. The couple married in April of 2007. Vito adored his family and treated Carol’s three daughters as his very own. 

Vito had a career as an HVAC Mechanic with Exxon Mobile spanning 38 years and volunteered as a Madison firefighter for over 25 years. In his retirement, Vito could frequently be seen driving the sidewalk sweeper around town. Vito loved to tinker with things and was quite the handyman. He completed many DIY projects around the home. He also loved bowling and was part of a bowling league at the Plaza Lanes in Madison for many years. Vito belonged to the American Legion Post 43 color guard in Florham Park.

Vito cared deeply for people and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. His family will miss his big, warm heart, but they take great comfort in knowing he is at peace.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the memorial visitation for Vito on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison.

Military Honors will be conducted at 4:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made in Vito’s name to Autism Speaks, P.O. Box 37148, Boone, IA 50037, The Madison Fire Department, 62 Kings Rd, Madison, NJ 07940, or the American Legion Post 43, 20 Ridgedale Ave, Florham Park, NJ 07932.