John Ciffo

We are sad to announce the passing of John Ciffo, age 78, of West Milford, NJ. He left us on March 1, 2024.

John was born to Michael and Fannie Ciffo at St. Mary's General Hospital in Passaic and was raised in Garfield. He graduated from Garfield High School where he played baseball and was the 3rd basemen during his high school years with the class of 1963. John continued his education at The State University of New York at Courtland and then transferred to Parsons College in Fairfield, Iowa where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education with the Class of 1967. Alongside him was his best friend to this day, Ed Gola, who also attended both institutions where they partook in many adventures together!  John would then go on to receive his Masters Degree in Educational Administration from William Paterson University in Wayne.

John began his career as a teacher at the Memorial Elementary School in Maywood.  As he continued to inspire and educate his students, he was eventually promoted to the Maywood Avenue School where he taught middle school math for most of his teaching career.  John was extremely dedicated to helping his students understand and excel in math and his passion for teaching was evident in his work. His commitment to his students and his leadership skills did not go unnoticed, and he was ultimately appointed as the Assistant Principal for the Maywood Avenue School. Through his career, John’s impact on the education system and his students was profound, and his dedication to his students and the school community was unwavering through his retirement in 2007. Many of his former students will remember him teaching a mathematics game called “Krypto” to help inspire their math skills. In fact, many of his former students over the years have reached out and shared with him how they use the game in their own way to inspire their own students.  John knew how to make Math fun and engaging and was remembered by many as an educator and mentor who made a real difference in more ways than one.

John will be remembered as a remarkable individual, known for his fun, social nature and boundless energy.  He loved sports and was a devoted baseball fan cheering on the Yankees, was a devoted Clemson Tigers football fan, and supported his grandchildren at their various sports activities. John played golf every week up until he was limited to do so. Always on the move, he never shied away from new experiences and adventures...he had a genuine love of life.  Despite his active lifestyle, John possessed a remarkable patience and laid-back demeanor, always remaining calm and composed.  His dedication to his family was unwavering, and he was known for being reliable, supportive and was the most devoted father, grandfather and husband that one could ever ask for.  John was the kind of person who would drop everything to be there for you in times of need, reflecting his compassionated nature.  His presence would bring comfort and reassurance, and his willingness to go above and beyond for those he cared about made him a cherished and invaluable friend.

John met his wife, Gale Puzio, at a cocktail lounge on River Road in Garfield.  Although they both graduated from Garfield High, they barely knew each other during their high school years.  Their first date was to a beautiful dinner at The Bethwood in Totowa.  They fell in love and married on October 3, 1970, at the Mount Virgin Church in Garfield.  John and Gale have had a loving and devoted marriage of fifty-four wonderful years together.  John is survived by his wife, Gale; his daughter Carey; his son Brian and daughter-in-law, Michelle; and his three grandchildren Hannah, Bryce and Emily. John was predeceased by his parents, Michael and Fannie and his brother, Tommy. John will be greatly missed by many.