Obituary of Dr. Bernard J. Saccaro Jr.

Dr. Bernard Saccaro, a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2025 with his family by his side after a brief illness at the age of 89. Bernie was married to the love of his life and best friend, Ann Marie, for over 66 years. Born in Brooklyn and raised in Staten Island, Bernie spent most of his life living in Hackensack, New Jersey. He graduated from Villanova University and the University of Rome (Italy) Medical School. Bernie was a beloved father to his children: Victoria, Laverne and her late husband Kevin O'Boyle, Beth and her husband Paul Humenik, and son Bernie and his wife Christina. He was adored by his ten grandchildren, who referred to him by his nickname "Donie": Kelsey (Josh), Lizzie (John), Conor, Emily, Nick (Sarah), Donato, Victor, Dylan (Brooke), Katherine (Francisco), and Jackie. He is also survived by his three great-grandchildren: Anna, Jack and Jacob. He cherished sharing his favorite activities with them including golfing in the sunshine; reading at Barnes & Noble; cooking pasta to be enjoyed on the deck during a Lavallette sunset; and continuing his quest to find New Jersey's best hamburger. A resident of Hackensack for over sixty years, Dr. Saccaro was a beloved and dedicated physician, caring for patients well into his 80s. He began his career as a family physician in Rochelle Park as an "old-fashioned" doctor who made house calls. He was Chairman of the Medical Board of Hackensack University Medical Center, practiced internal medicine and rheumatology, and had numerous other roles within HUMC. Bernie's life in Hackensack was interrupted when he was drafted to serve in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam war. He cared for wounded airmen on Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, Illinois. In addition to his esteemed career in medicine, Bernie served his community as three-time president of the Hackensack Board of Education and was a member of numerous service organizations including the Rotary Club and UNICO. He was a curious and inquisitive person, who listened to every genre of music and voraciously read both fiction and nonfiction. He also loved to experiment with cooking new recipes and to share an Italian meal with his family at Ristorante Nanni. He was predeceased by his parents Ben and Claire, brother Richard Saccaro and sister Joan Corradino. He is also survived by his brother Kenneth and numerous nieces and nephews whom he loved with all of his heart. The family will receive friends on Sunday, May 4th, 2025 from 4:00 – 8:00 PM for visitation at the G. Thomas Gentile Funeral Home, 397 Union Street, Hackensack, NJ. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 AM on Monday, May 5th, 2025 at Holy Trinity R.C. Church, 34 Maple Avenue, Hackensack. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Dr. Saccaro's memory to: Center For Hope and Safety; www.hopeandsafetynj.org. To send condolences, directions, or for further information visit www.gentilefuneralservice.com