Emil C. Nardone

Emil Carmine Nardone passed away peacefully at his home in Colonia, New Jersey on May 12th, 2026. He was born on October 21st, 1932, to Emilio Nardone and Rose (Albanese) Nardone.

Emil was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, where he spent most of his life and proudly considered himself a true “Newark guy.” At 18, he met the love of his life, Adelaide “Addie” Gilligan. They were married in 1956 and shared 62 devoted and loving years together until her passing in 2018.

Emil was a dedicated husband, beloved father, proud grandfather and great-grandfather, and a loyal friend to many. He was known for his extraordinary storytelling and remarkable memory, allowing him to recall life events in vivid detail even in his later years.

Much of his storytelling centered around his years of service with the Newark Fire Department, where he served as a firefighter, Captain of the Arson Squad, and later Acting Chief of the Newark Arson Squad. He was widely respected for his integrity, leadership, and dependability. Anyone who worked in Newark law enforcement or fire service during the 1960s through the 1980s likely knew Captain Emil Nardone.

Following his retirement from the Fire Department, Emil continued his career as an investigator for the Essex County Council, where he formed many lasting friendships. He retired in 2009.

Before joining the Fire Department, Emil worked as a mail carrier for the City of Newark. He also owned and operated a roofing company for many years, employing his brothers, sons, and nephews.

Emil deeply valued family life. He especially cherished Sunday dinners featuring macaroni and meatballs, Friday night pizza gatherings, and relaxing on his deck by the pool. He looked forward to his Saturday morning tradition at Dunkin’ Donuts with his “Dunkin crew,” and he made it a point to spend time visiting family nearby—stopping by to pick up packages, drop off bagels, soup, or Yodels when someone was sick. He was, in many ways, the “mayor of the neighborhood,” always known and always checking in on the people he loved. More than anything, he truly looked forward to those visits with his family. He also enjoyed nightly episodes of Jeopardy!, playing his picket, and keeping track of his lucky numbers.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Adelaide Nardone.

He is survived by his children: Paul Nardone; Laura Nardone Gruenling and her husband Mike; and John Nardone and his wife Tracey. He was a proud grandfather to Paulie (and Ferris), Tony (and Natalia), Nicky, Joey (and Sabrina), Mikey, Amanda (and Nick), Gianna, and Francesca, as well as a cherished great-grandfather.

Emil will be remembered for his strength of character, humor, loyalty, and the lasting impact he made on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

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