Luke Anthony Gervase, 88, a 60-year resident of Closter, NJ, passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. Beloved husband of Virginia (née Marino) for nearly 65 years. Cherished father of Laura Bonanno and her husband Christopher of Dumont, NJ, Ronald Gervase of Springfield, NJ, Richard Gervase and his husband Stuart Delery of Washington, DC, and Luke Gervase and his wife Alexandra of Warwick, NY. Proud and dedicated grandfather of Marissa (Stephen Zurich), Brittany (Will Baker), Alicia (Cameron Pierce), Michael, Sebastian, Mia, Matthew, Anthony, and Ava, and great-grandfather of Hudson. Dear brother-in-law of Madeline Gervase and beloved uncle, great uncle, and cousin to many he loved. Predeceased by his parents, Arnold (Erasmo) and Mary Gervase, stepmother Mary Gervase, his brother, Angelo Gervase, and his sister, Rosemary “Candy” Del Rey.
Luke was born and raised on the Lower East Side of New York City. He was a proud alumnus of the Boys Club of New York. Luke was a United States Marine Corps veteran and served in the Marine Corps Reserves. He earned an Associate’s Degree in Food Technology from SUNY Morrisville and worked in the food industry for most of his career, including at Lever Brothers and Nabisco. He retired in 2010 as a Senior Research Technician from Reckitt Benckiser (French’s Food Division) in Montvale, NJ after 20 years of service.
His greatest joy in life was watching his nine grandchildren progress from birth to college to careers and marriage. He worked hard to provide all his grandchildren of driving age with their first car, each of which he selected with his lifetime knowledge and love of cars. He loved raising his family on Wainwright Court in Closter where he was proud that his children could take advantage of its school system and beautiful setting. He especially enjoyed holiday traditions with the extended family; his wife Virginia’s cooking; listening to Frank Sinatra albums; dancing with the family, especially the Lindy with his wife; taking good care of dozens of family members’cars over several decades; family vacations; and befriending everyone he met.
Visiting hours are Sunday, October 19, 2025, from 2:00 to 6:00pm at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, October 20, 2025,at 10 am at St. Anthony’s Church, 199 Walnut Street in Northvale with Interment to follow at Westwood Cemetery, 23 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Luke’s memory to the National Foundation for Cancer Research (www.nfcr.org) or the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org) would be greatly appreciated.
www.pizzifuneralhome.com
Laura and Family. My condolences on the passing of your Dad. You will all be in my thoughts through this difficult time.
Love, Diane
Thank you Diane for thinking of us!
Luke was a great man very soft spoken with a heart of gold always had something nice to say made you feel special because he always made you laugh a b little and put a smile on your face
He is a reflection of his family and all those around him
He will be deeply missed and I am very grateful to no have met him and befriended him for 40 + years
Rest in peace my friend
Thanks Petie. Dad enjoyed your company very much ❤️
Our prayers go out to you and your family rest in peace, my friend
My deepest sympathies to Richard and the Gervase family on your loss. Keeping your family in my prayers. May your beloved Luke’s memory be a blessing always.
Laura, Ron, Richard, and Luke: Your dad was such a special, warm, and whoa…handsome…man. It gave me great pleasure to read his 80th birthday memories book (that was me laughing at the wake!) Mrs. Gervase, you are very dear to me as was your husband. Now that I’m permanently in Fort Lee, I’ll take you to get shave ice anytime you want.
Richard, my heart goes out to you and your family . I never knew your dad, but he must have been a wonderful father and mentor because I have met you and they do say “like father,like son”. Wishing you and your family peace and comfort .
Sincerely, Lynne
The SUNY Morrisville community is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of alumnus Luke Gervase. We offer our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. Luke will be fondly remembered.
My Condolences to the family.