Nicholas Fresolone Obituary (2022) – Berkeley Heights, NJ – The Star-Ledger – The Star-Ledger Obituaries

1/13/1942 – 8/2/2022 On Tuesday August 2, 2022, Nicholas Augustine Fresolone, Jr. passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family. Fondly known as “The Bear”, Nick was born on January 13, 1942 in Orange, NJ. A second generation Italian-American, he was always surrounded by many relatives, and it was instilled in him that family is everything. As a young man, he worked with his father at his Uncle Joseph’s auto shop. He loved fast cars and loud engines. In 1968, he was sworn in as an Orange Police Officer to begin his honorable career in law enforcement. He took pride in his career as he went onto Motorcycle Patrol, Detective, and was a large part of the Community Development Program, where he used his martial arts skills to reach the community. He went on to opening his own karate school, House of Karate. Although known for his strength and skill, what he loved most was helping people, and to instill confidence and humility. He took in many children, often at no tuition, just to get them off the street. His martial arts background led to his Defensive Tactics position with the Essex County Police Academy. Here he further made an impact, both metaphorically and physically, on the Law Enforcement community. He retired from the Orange Police Department and focused his efforts on his Defensive Tactics program, where many officers have learned “The Ten Fatal Errors”. But they all knew the 11th was the most fatal, “Don’t Mess With The Bear”. He continued his career to Assistant Warden of the Caldwell Jail, followed by the prestigious title of Lieutenant with The NJ State Detective Agency. Amidst his busy career, he also was Head Security of The Gate House, Ricci’s In The Valley, and The Stuft Shirt, as well as running his Fresolone Hardwood Floors business. He continued his security career well into his 70’s. Nick enjoyed music and singing. He’d often share the stage with his cousin’s band, Twilight Time. He enjoyed bowling and playing tennis with his family. He was known for his quick wit, and infamous greeting, “Hey There!”. As a family man, he was profoundly sentimental and dedicated. His drive was to provide for his family and instill morals and values, but to always laugh and enjoy life. A dedicated and proud Italian Catholic, Sundays were for worship followed by macaroni and a pot of “gravy”. He made a point to have family vacations and spend holidays with his parents and siblings. His greatest joy was being PopPop to his 9 grandchildren and great granddaughter. Nick was preceded in death by his parents Nicholas and Florence (Marano), his sister Edith Fresolone, and his wife Joann (Cocuzza). He is survived by his children Nicholas III, Michael (Valerie), Michele Golas (Krzysztof); his siblings Angela Fresolone, Babe Fresolone, Thomas (Cathi), Albert Falkowski (Brenda), Maryann Falkowski; his grandchildren Zarina (William), Nicole, Jennifer, Alyssa, Vincent, Nicolas, Alessandra, Krzysztof, Dominik; great grandchild Cattleya; nieces and nephew TJ, Ryan, Anthony, Stacy; his loving companion Dolores Vannella; and many, many cousins and dear friends. Memorial will be held at Paul Ippolito Berkeley Memorial located at 646 Springfield Avenue, Berkeley Heights NJ 07922 on Sunday 8/7/2022 from 2-6pm. Mass will be held at Mary Mother of God Roman Catholic Church located at 157 South Triangle Rd, Hillsborough NJ 08844 at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 8, 2022. Funeral procession immediately following to Gate of Heaven Cemetery & Mausoleum located at 225 Ridgedale Ave, East Hanover NJ 07936. In lieu of flowers you may donate to the NJ State PBA Survivor & Welfare Fund, 158 Main St., Woodbridge NJ 07095, www.survivorwelfare.com. Paul Ippolito Berkeley Memorial 646 Springfield Avenue Berkeley Heights NJ 07922 (908) 277-6446

Published by The Star-Ledger from Aug. 4 to Aug. 5, 2022.