Gregory “Big Dog” Velardi

Gregory J. Velardi, age 60, of Wayne passed peacefully at home on Friday October 14, 2022. He was also known as “Big Dog” and “Chief” by his friends.

Greg was born in Pompton Plains and was a lifelong resident of Wayne.  He graduated from Wayne Hills High School with the Class of 1980.  He continued his education at Jersey City State College, where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Science.

His first job was at the Bristol Industries in Butler where he learned welding. He also worked at the Meadowlands Sports Complex as part of the “Change-over Crew” that would modify the facility to accommodate different sports such as hockey to basketball. Once he graduated from college, Greg spent his career of 34 years with Wayne Township starting as a Fire Inspector and was later promoted to the Wayne Township Fire Official. He retired in 2020.

Greg met Laurie at Gabriel’s Restaurant in Wayne in 1989.  On their first date, Greg thought Laurie had stood him up; however, she had simply overslept.  They fell in love and married about two years later in July of 1992 at Saint Joseph’s Church in Lincoln Park.  They honeymooned in Aruba and just celebrated their 30th anniversary this past July.

Greg will be remembered for his huge heart-that he did not like to show. He was easy going, very giving…even giving the gift of aggravation to others… and was generous to a fault. For many years he donated to the Friends of Wayne Animal Shelter (FOWA) and the Tunnels to Towers Foundation. He was an avid golfer and has several first-place trophies from the Wayne Township Golf League. Greg was a dedicated New York Giants Fan and New York Yankee fan.  He passed away watching his beloved Yankees in a playoff game. Greg was also a co-owner and member of the Metropolitan Cigar Club in Fairfield. He was very opinionated with his politics and the family isn’t sure how, but they know Greg will vote in the upcoming November election. He pre-deceased by his Maltipoo Isabella and was truly loved by his new Maltese puppy, Mia.

Greg was community-minded, and a 42-year Life-member of P.O.L Fire Company 2 in Wayne where he served through the ranks having been Chief in from 1988-1991, and President for 9 years. He was a Life Member of the NJ State Fireman’s Association, and a Life Member of the NJ State Exempt Fireman’s Association. He was also a Past-President and current member of the Bergen-Passaic Municipal Inspectors Association.

Some of Greg’s favorite past-times were smoking a “heater” on his deck with his nephews, Beefsteaks and Pancake breakfasts at the firehouse, fishing trips, golfing, and enjoying meals with family and friends.

Greg was the loving husband to Laurie (nee Scarpa) Velardi; loving brother of Frank Velardi and his wife Gillian; his nieces and nephews Timothy Velardi, Paul Velardi, Robert Velardi, Amanda Bendett and her husband Michael, and their son Ralphie, Gianna Scarpa, Nicole Scarpa, Sabrina Goodman, and James Goodman who he truly loved like they were his own children.

In lieu of flowers donations to the P.O.L. Fire Company #2, 970 Route 23, Wayne NJ 07470,  or Alan Purcell Wayne Animal Shelter, 201 Pompton Plains Crossroad, Wayne NJ 07470, or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation would be greatly appreciated.