Carl P. Padula “Butchie”

Carl P. Padula "Butchie" passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, December 6, 2025.

Born and raised in Paterson, Butchie was the youngest of two children to Happy Harry and Angie Padula, as they were affectionately known. After spending his early years in Paterson, the family moved to Pompton Lakes, where Butchie would eventually make his permanent home.

In 1966, Butchie enlisted in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, serving stateside throughout his deployment. After completing his military service, he joined the Military Police for two years, discovering his calling in law enforcement. He began his career with the Paterson Police Department, where he spent his entire career advancing from patrolman to the motorcycle division and ultimately to Detective in the Narcotics division. During this time, he also served in the National Guard. Butchie retired from the force in 1993 and went on to serve as Director of Security at Passaic County Community College's Paterson Campus.

Throughout his life, Butchie was deeply committed to his community. He served on the Pompton Lakes School Board and also the Town Councilman for years and was an active member of the Elks Club, Rotary, Blue Knights, Honor Legion, Italian American Club, and 200 Club. He also proudly served as President of the Retired Policemen Club for many years.

One evening at a local diner, Butchie met a beautiful young woman named Barbara Ann Fitzgerald. As they talked, Barbara reminded him they'd actually met years earlier in grammar school when young Butchie used to dip the ends of her braids in ink and paint with them! Fortunately, Barbara found the memory hilarious, and the two began dating and quickly fell in love. They married on September 13, 1969, and settled in Pompton Lakes, where they welcomed two sons: Carl E. Padula and Randy V. Padula. Barbara and Butchie shared a loving marriage of 50 years before Barbara's passing in 2019.

Butchie loved riding his motorcycle and was a member of the Corvette Club. Above all, he was a true food connoisseur who founded both a dinner club to explore new restaurants and a Saturday morning breakfast club. He cherished family vacations to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where they attended Dutch fairs and savored the delicious homemade food that became a family tradition. He also enjoyed trips to the beaches in Wildwood with his family.

Butchie will be remembered as an honorable man who was always willing to help others. He was tough and stubborn, yet kind and loving in an old-school way that made everyone admire him. He will be dearly missed by his sons, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the countless friends he made throughout his remarkable life.

Butchie is predeceased by his parents Happy Harry and Angie Padula, and his wife of 50 years Barbara Ann Padula.

He is survived by his two sons: Carl E. Padula and Randy Padula; his 5 grandchildren: Dominick Padula, Rachael Padula, Michael Padula, Bella Padula, Giada Padula; and his 2 great-grandchildren: Dayna Melo and Aurora Padula.

We ask that Law Enforcement escorts please arrive by 8:45 AM on Thursday.