Francesco

Stancato

Francesco (Frank) Stancato, aged 84, of Englewood, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2026. Frank was born in the small mountain town of Longobardi, in the province of Cosenza, Italy. In young adulthood, along with members of his family, he left for the United States in search of the American Dream. What he ultimately found was a life beyond his wildest imagination.

If one witnessed where he came from, and what he eventually created for his family, it would be the stuff from which movies are made. But, simply put, hard work and the love and support from his mother, brothers, and sisters propelled him forward into the first chapter of his life in America. Frank loved to work and after a quiet life in Italy, he realized he loved being around people. After some small jobs and getting situated in his new country, he eventually saved up enough to open up Shaler Pizza in Ridgefield, with his brother Pasquale.

After a few more years, in 1973, he opened up Stancato's on Tonnelle Avenue in North Bergen with his brother, Jerry, where they would remain for over a decade and begin relationships that would span much further into the future.

In 1976, he married the love of his life, Maria, and shortly thereafter, his three children, Joseph, Stephanie and Stephen were born.

Along the way, he was fortunate enough to collaborate with his siblings on several establishments in Bergen County. But in 1987, he returned to Shaler Boulevard to have his final "baby", Cafe Tivoli, in Ridgefield, New Jersey. To everyone who has walked into Cafe Tivoli in the past 40 years, it has been evident that family, food, and laughter were the pillars of Frank Stancato's life. He oversaw every detail of Cafe Tivoli's daily operations with pride and joy, and he forged friendships with people after they walked into his place for the first time, whether as a customer, employee or salesperson. It gave him boundless joy to make people happy by his service, and he was always quick to make a funny joke or observation.

Talking to Frank, one instantly realized how worldly he was. He could hold a conversation about any topic at all, and would be informed on that topic. He would also find a way to deliver humor into just about anything he said. He loved to laugh. He loved to joke. He was a great business man and host. And he was incredibly witty and smart. Not bad for a guy from a little mountaintop in Italy.

These traits were never more on display than when his grandchildren arrived. Over time, Joseph II, James, Alessandra, Antonella, Lily, and Francesco came to be the true centerpiece of his life. Nonno loved to be at work, but he loved his day off on Monday even more because it meant dinner with his whole family, especially the grandkids. Every moment spent with Nonno was treasured, but those Monday night dinners, and so many trips spent together, were spent talking, laughing and eating together. Being surrounded by his family gave him the ultimate delight. Nonno always had love to share with his grandchildren. Papà always had wisdom to pass on to his children. And Frank always gave adoration to his dearest Maria.

Frank was predeceased by his sister Maria and her husband Paolo, his sister Rita and her husband Pasquale, his brother Jerry and his mother Teresa Erminia. He is survived by his beloved brother Pasquale and his wife Rita. He is survived by many nieces and nephews, and their spouses, all of whom he loved and enjoyed being with so much : Andrew, Raffaela, Francesco & Lourdes, Domenico ("Mimmo"), Rita, Teresa & Michael and Anna & Damiano, along with all his great nephews and great nieces.

Maria, Joseph & MaryBeth, Joseph II, Alessandra, Antonella, Francesco, Stephanie & Nghia, James, Lily and Stephen are comforted by the thought their indescribable loss will reunite Frank with his family in everlasting life. They are also certain that Frank would want to thank everyone in the Cafe Tivoli Family for their role in his life. For amost 40 years all of you have been there with him and he was so happy you came along.

Until we meet again........