Ferdinand Q. Bautista of Northvale, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, surrounded by the comfort of love. His passing marks the loss of a devoted husband, father, grandfather, family member, and friend who touched the lives of many through his kindness, generosity, unwavering faith, and wonderful sense of humor.
Ferdinand was the beloved husband of Zenaida (née Paras). He was the devoted father of Janice and her husband, Carl, and Ferdinand Jr. and his wife, Darin. He was the proud and loving grandfather of Lucas, Sienna, and Sydney, who brought immeasurable joy to his life.
He is reunited in eternal rest with his beloved parents, Alfredo and Gloria Bautista, and his siblings, Rolando, Ryan, Carolina, Emmanuel, and Alfredo Jr. He will be deeply missed by his remaining sibling, George, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and countless friends.
Born and raised in Pampanga, Philippines, Ferdinand immigrated to the United States in 1975, settling in Englewood, New Jersey, with his brothers. It was there that he met the love of his life, Zenaida, in their apartment building. They were married on August 19, 1979, beginning a loving partnership that would span nearly 47 years. After welcoming their children, Janice and JR, they made Northvale their home in 1985.
The Bautista home in Northvale quickly became the heart of the family—a place where everyone gathered, laughed, and made lasting memories. Nearly every weekend, and often during the week, Ferdinand and his brothers would pile into one of their cars, head to Dunkin’ Donuts for coffee, then return home, unfold their lawn chairs, and spend hours watching traffic go by, offering humorous critiques of every passing vehicle.
If you happened to stop by on a slower day, Ferdinand or one of his brothers would likely insist you pull into the driveway so they could wash your car and detail the interior—completely free of charge. If your car happened to be a Toyota, you were almost guaranteed an even more meticulous cleaning.
Ferdinand was a quiet, observant, and gentle man with a calm presence that put others at ease. But those who knew him also knew that if you crossed him, you would certainly hear about it. He had an unforgettable sense of humor, delivering perfectly timed comments that left everyone laughing. And whenever someone disagreed with him, he would throw his arms in the air and exclaim, “Holy smokes!”—a phrase his family will forever hear in his voice.
A man of deep faith, Ferdinand was a devoted Catholic and faithfully served as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Anthony’s Parish in Northvale for more than twenty years before illness made it impossible for him to continue.
Music was another of Ferdinand’s great joys. Whether it was classic rock, Motown, oldies, or even a little rap, he loved sharing music with his family. Every car ride with him came with the soundtrack turned up, and those road trips became cherished memories filled with singing, laughter, and togetherness.
Throughout his life, Ferdinand faced many hardships and numerous health crises with remarkable courage and resilience. Time and again, he fought to recover because being with his family meant everything to him. Above all, he treasured the opportunity to know and love his grandchildren, whose lives brought him immense pride and happiness.
Ferdinand lived a life defined not by material things, but by faith, family, humility, generosity, laughter, and unconditional love. His quiet strength, gentle spirit, and enduring devotion to those he loved will remain in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.
His legacy lives on in every family gathering, every shared cup of coffee, every favorite song played a little louder, every spotless Toyota, and every heartfelt cry of “Holy smokes!”
He will be deeply loved, forever missed, and never forgotten.
Visiting hours are Monday, June 29, 2026 from 4-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at 10 AM at St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale, NJ. Entombment will follow at George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus, NJ.
www.pizzifuneralhome.com
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