Obituary of Albert Quarantiello, Sr.
Albert Quarantiello Sr., 89, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 after a long illness, during which he exhibited resilience, strength, and graciousness. He now is reunited with his beloved wife of 60 years, Elaine, whose presence he deeply missed.
Born in Plainfield to the late Vincent and Rose (Pendolino) Quarantiello, Albert settled in South Plainfield in 1962 where he raised his family and built a successful business. He began his career as a Barber, and then quickly moved to a position as Resident Stylist at Tepper’s and Bamberger’s department stores in Plainfield, where he was affectionately known as “Mr. Albert”. In 1976, he and his sister, Anna, opened their salon, The Brush Stop, in South Plainfield. Albert was well known and had a devoted client list for 35 years prior to his retirement in 2011.
Albert enlisted in the United States Army while attending Plainfield High School and was stationed in Japan during the Korean War. He received his High School diploma from Plainfield High School, receiving his diploma with the Class of 1954.
Like his late wife, Elaine, Albert was devoted to his family. He especially loved vacationing at the beach, whether it was Miami Beach over the winter months when his children were young, spring trips to Myrtle Beach with Elaine during his early retirement years, or summer vacations throughout his lifetime at the Jersey Shore and in Lavallette, NJ with his entire family. He could often be found riding his bicycle to find the best crumb cake, or on the beach in the early mornings, sitting with a fishing pole stuck in the sand beside him.
In addition to the beach, Albert loved playing and watching sports. In High School and while serving in the Army, he was a member of bowling teams and competed for championships. He played amateur baseball, a sport that he especially enjoyed teaching and watching his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren play. He enjoyed playing golf with friends and family, as well as watching the NY Yankees and Giants, or virtually any competitive sporting event on television.
Albert was friendly to everyone he met, often introducing himself to strangers he encountered- whether at home or walking along the beach or streets of Lavallette. Even after suffering a stroke and the complications that followed, he continued to share (often humorous) stories of his life with his family and friends, often imparting advice and sharing wisdom he gathered over the course of his 89 years.
Predeceased by his wife Elaine (Zalewski) who died in 2022 and his siblings, Grace Wilson and Catherine Leigh, Vincent, Jr., Anthony, and Robert, he is survived by his three children, Robin Jabour and her husband Leon; Albert Quarantiello, Jr and his wife Kathleen; and Teresa Calabrese and her husband, Matthew; six grandchildren, Amanda (Jabour) Kowalski, Melissa Jabour, John Jabour, Tyler Quarantiello, Samantha Quarantiello, and Nicholas Tufaro, as well as, five great grandchildren, Jack, Ryan, and Henry Kowalski and Peyton and Knox Quarantiello. He is also survived by his sister Anna Dixon, many extended family members and friends, as well as his cat, Fortunato. He will be deeply missed by all who survive him.
Family and friends are invited to honor and celebrate Albert’s life, and join together for visitation on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 from 4- 6 PM in the McCriskin – Gustafson Funeral Home 2425 Plainfield Avenue, South Plainfield, NJ (www.mccriskinfuneralhome.com).
Funeral services will take place at 6PM following visitation.
Cremation and committal services will be privately held.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations in his memory be sent to the Plainfield Area Humane Society, https://hope4pawshs.org/ or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, https://www.stjude.org