Obituary of Giacomo D'Avella

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Giacomo D’Avella on September 6, 2023, at Overlook Hospital in Summit, New Jersey. Born in Avella, Italy, on February 27, 1935, to Saverio and Filomena D’Avella, Giacomo epitomized the strength and resilience forged by his upbringing during World War II.

Raised on the family farm in Avella, Giacomo's young life took a romantic turn when he fell deeply in love with Rosa. Their love story, beginning with secret rendezvous set against the picturesque backdrop of the Italian countryside, soon blossomed into marriage. Drawn by job opportunities and seeking a better life, the couple ventured to Germany—a chapter they'd forever cherish as a time of youth, love, adventure, and determination. With the anticipation of their first child, Giacomo and Rosa then made their way back to Italy, setting their sights on a fresh start in America.

In 1969, with their first-born son accompanying them, they settled in Newark, New Jersey. Their journey progressed through New Providence in 1979, and by 1984, they laid down roots in Warren, New Jersey. Giacomo's tireless work ethic was evident in his role as a line technician, both at a perfume company and later at National Can in Piscataway. Never one to settle, he balanced two jobs, adding landscaping to his repertoire. The early 1980s marked a significant transition as he fully devoted his time to landscaping, an enterprise he later bequeathed to his son upon his retirement in 2000.

Giacomo's passion for the outdoors went beyond mere hobbies or pastimes. Hunting, in particular, wasn't just an activity for him—it was a profound joy, a resounding call of the wild that echoed deep within his soul. Each hunt was an adventure, a pursuit that he approached with reverence and enthusiasm. A proud member of a hunting club in Peapack, New Jersey, hunting stood as one of his most cherished and defining passions.

But gardening held a special place in his heart too. He cultivated a diverse array of produce, nurturing them from seed to harvest. Among all the fruits and vegetables he grew, the zucchini flower became symbolic of Giacomo's garden. These blossoms, meticulously stuffed and fried, were a treat that family and friends eagerly anticipated, a delicious testament to his gardening prowess and the love he poured into every plant.

His leisure activities also extended to fishing and raising chickens and rabbits. His fig trees achieved a legendary status, with offspring from these trees being cultivated and shared, ensuring the lineage lived on. He relished his family trips to Long Branch, Point Pleasant & Wildwood.  He also made time to visit Italy and stay connected to his family.

Above all, Giacomo stood as a beacon of strength and unwavering dedication. His narrative, marked by transitions across countries and vocations, serves as an enduring testament to his relentless dedication to his family.

Giacomo's lasting legacy is intricately interwoven with cherished memories, the vibrant trees he nurtured, and the profound impact of his love and dedication on all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Peter, and sister, Maria.

Honoring his life and continuing his legacy are his devoted wife, Rosa D'Avella; his sons, Saverio D'Avella and Felice D'Avella, and Felice's wife, Jennifer; his grandsons, Hunter and Grayson D'Avella; and his siblings, Francesca, Carmelina, and Giuseppina.

May you rest in eternal peace, Giacomo D’Avella. Your extraordinary journey and steadfast dedication will forever inspire and guide those you left behind.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in Giacomo's memory to the American Cancer Society or plant a memorial tree at ALivingTribute.org.

A visitation will be held on Monday, September 11, 2023, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ. A Mass will be held on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, commencing at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Mount R.C. Church, 170 Mount Bethel Road, Warren, NJ. He will be laid to rest at Hollywood Memorial Park, 1500 Stuyvesant Avenue, Union, NJ.