Obituary of Frederick P. Passarella, Jr.
Fredrick P. Passarella Jr., 58, of Morristown, New Jersey, passed away suddenly and peacefully at his home on Friday, October 10, 2025.
Born in Passaic, N.J., Fred spent most of his youth growing up in Madison. After meeting the love of his life, Cathy, and getting married, the couple settled in Morris Plains, where they were blessed with two wonderful children. They later moved to Morristown, where they have resided for the past nine years.
Family was the most important thing to Fred. He cherished every moment spent with his wife, Cathy, and their children, Abbi and Christopher, who were his greatest joys. The family loved their many Disney trips, racing from ride to ride and laughing through every adventure. The Haunted Mansion was always his favorite.
An avid sports fan, Fred proudly cheered for the New York Giants, New York Mets, and especially his beloved New York Rangers—teams he’ll forever be rooting for. He enjoyed bowling with family and friends and participated in many leagues over the years. Fred also loved skiing with Abbi and helping Chris improve his snowboarding skills. After years of hard work, he was proud to finally get his dream car—a BMW.
Education was very important to Fred. He attended several colleges to continue his education and was incredibly proud that both Abbi and Chris attend Fairfield University. He was especially excited that Abbi will be the first in his family to graduate from college.
Fred is predeceased by his parents, Fredrick Passarella Sr., formerly of Madison, and Dr. Steven and Linda Falchetta of New Hampshire. He spent many years working for Schering-Plough in Madison and Summit before moving on to Merck in Kenilworth. Most recently, he was employed at Nestlé Health Science in Bridgewater as a Logistics Manager, where he was deeply respected by his colleagues.
Fred is survived by his beloved wife, Cathy Passarella; his loving children, Abbi and Chris Passarella; and his in-laws, Eugene and Kara Lesinski, Larry and Mary Paragano, Mark and Lauri Lesinski, Julie Lesinski, and Joe and Sarah DeGoey. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews who loved him dearly.
He is also survived by his biological parents, John and Lucy Torkos, and his brothers, John (Shannon), and Brian Torkos; as well as his wife’s parents, Gene and Rita Lesinski. Fred will be deeply missed by all who knew him — including his faithful napping buddy, Buddy.
Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, from 4-8pm at Burroughs, Kohr & Dangler Funeral Home, 106 Main St. Madison, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 10am at St. Virgil’s Church, 250 Speedwell Ave., Morris Plains, NJ. Interment is private for the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Passarella Children’s College Fund to support Abbi and Chris’ college education or to the American Heart Association (www.heart.org).