Fabrizio Esposito's Obituary
Fabrizio Esposito was loved and respected by all who knew him. As a young man, he had an adventurous heart, and left Italy at the tender age of 17, traveling parts of the world before settling in Santo Domingo and becoming a jeweler.
Ready to settle down, he returned to his native Italy whereupon he met and fell in love with his future bride of more than 54 years, Maddalena. Together they returned to Santo Domingo and began their family. Their love story continued as they eventually settled in Delran, N.J., and began a successful 40-plus year career in the restaurant business.
In 1974, as proprietor of Angelo's Pizza in Riverside, Fabrizio, along with Maddalena, quickly became part of the fabric of their community. Eventually, he moved his attention to a new restaurant, Fabrizio's, in Pennsauken, enjoying many years of success and forming many lasting friendships with employees, vendors, and customers alike. His reach went far beyond that of a pizza man, Fabrizio, or "Fabri", left an indelible mark on all who knew him.
Fabrizio was adored by his children, whom he raised with an often firm, but always loving and supportive, hand. He was loved and respected immensely by his sons and daughter-in-law as well. "Nonno" was cherished by his grandchildren, and beloved by his many nieces, nephews, and godchildren.
At times, he was a man of few words, quietly thoughtful, but when he offered words of wisdom you knew to heed his advice because he spoke them out of love, concern, and experience. Whether he was enjoying Sunday dinner with the family, hunting with the guys, or working at the pizzeria, his joy for life was irrepressible.
Fabrizio was the true family patriarch and was surrounded in his final days by his wife and children; his devoted brothers, Lorenzo and Tony and their wives; his loyal friends, John and Lois; and many close friends and family.
Fabrizio is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Maddalena (Gallo). He was the loving father of Francesca DiCiurcio (John), Josephine Hubbs (Jeffrey), and Angelo "Lou" Esposito (Jennifer); dear "Nonno" of Jacqueline, Alexa, Sofia, Nicolas, and Luca; loving brother of Lorenzo (Antonietta), Antonio (Cira), Rosina (Lorenzo), Vincenzina (Tommaso), and the late Assunto (Giuseppina). He also is survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
The family would like to express their sincerest thanks for the outpouring of love and support that has been shown to not only Fabrizio, but to all of us throughout this difficult time.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Fabrizio's life celebration gathering from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, and from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, at Givnish of Cinnaminson, 1200 Route 130 North. His funeral Mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. at Jesus the Good Shepherd Parish, St. Peters site, 101 Middleton St., Riverside. Entombment will follow in Lakeview Memorial Park, Route 130 North in Cinnaminson.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Fabrizio may be made to the Delran Emergency Squad, 900 Chester Ave., Delran, NJ 08075. Or via www.delranems.org
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