Louis “Lou” F. Nordone Jr., 82, peacefully went to be with the Lord on September 22, 2026.

Lou was truly one of a kind - a man with a bigger-than-life personality, a kind and gentle heart, and an incredible ability to make a friend wherever he went. He genuinely cared about people, and whether you knew him for a lifetime or had just met him, Lou had a way of making you feel like a friend.

He was born in Wilmington, Delaware, Lou was adopted at the age of one by Louis and Marie Nordone and spent his childhood growing up in Mount Vernon, New York. He often spoke about those years, especially the days spent playing stickball in the streets with his neighborhood buddies. One of his favorite childhood memories was the day his dad surprised him by picking him up from school early to take him to a Yankees World Series game - a memory Lou treasured and shared throughout his life. His love for the Yankees began early and stayed with him throughout his life. Lou graduated from Mount Vernon High School in 1963.

Lou spent 30 years working for the Township of Piscataway Department of Public Works before retiring, but retirement certainly didn't mean slowing down. He later worked for the Somerset Patriots in Bridgewater, a job perfectly suited to someone who loved people as much as Lou did. He would arrive an hour early just so he could walk around the ballpark and catch up with the fans he had gotten to know over the years.

Lou had a lifelong passion for youth sports and believed strongly in the importance of recreation for children. In August 1974, he organized and served as director of the first Piscataway Invitational Baseball Tournament, bringing together young athletes from the community. The experience remained so meaningful to him that some 30 years later, Lou tracked down the players - who had been just 11 and 12 years old when they participated - and organized a reunion to bring them together again. As his own children grew, Lou continued his involvement in youth sports by coaching their baseball and softball teams, creating memories that extended far beyond the playing field.

Lou also served as a crossing guard at Weston Elementary School in Manville, where many children got to experience the joy he brought wherever he went. If a child had a birthday, Lou made sure to whistle “Happy Birthday.” At Christmastime, children and parents could hear him whistling Christmas carols as they arrived at school.

Lou made his home in Manville for 35 years and was deeply involved in the community. He served for nine years as the town's part-time recreation director and also served on the Manville Board of Education. Whatever Lou became involved in - whether volunteering, fundraising, or helping his community - he brought enthusiasm, creativity, and his unmistakable personality along with him.

Sports were another great love of Lou's life. He was one of Rutger’s #1 football fans. For 20 years, Lou worked on the Rutgers football sidelines alongside his buddy Elliot. Around Rutgers Athletics, the pair became affectionately known as “The Dynamic Duo.” Lou never missed a home game and treasured the friendships, memories, and countless Saturdays he spent on the sidelines. His love for Rutgers extended beyond football; he was also a proud member of the Rutgers Touchdown Club and the Rutgers Basketball Court Club. He was a devoted New York Yankees and New York Giants fan as well.

Having been adopted himself, Lou held a special place in his heart for children and families brought together through adoption. He supported Miriam's Heart, an organization that helped with foster children and adoptions. Another way he supported children was through fundraising for the Make-A-Wish foundation.

But as much as Lou loved his teams, his community, and the many people he met along the way, nothing compared to his love for his family.

Being “Papa” was one of the greatest joys of his life. When his grandchildren were babies, he loved holding and rocking them. He taught them to make silly faces and, as they grew, became their biggest cheerleader. He showed up - again and again - for science fairs, music shows, sporting events, and the moments that mattered to them. He loved being their #1 fan, cheering them on with his favorite words: “Awesome, baby - with a capital A!”

Lou treasured the many trips he took to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, with his wife, JoAnne, throughout their more than 45 years together. It became a beloved family tradition, first camping there with their children and later returning with their grandchildren.

Lou's faith was at the center of his life. He was a member of Zarephath Christian Church, where he volunteered and served wherever he could. Yet for Lou, faith was about more than service - it was about his personal relationship with the Lord.

Lou will be deeply missed by his wife of 48 years, JoAnne (Robinson) Nordone; his daughter, Jennifer, and her husband, Scott DeMaio, of Hillsborough; his son, Christopher Nordone, of Hillsborough; and the grandchildren he cherished, Christian DeMaio, Abby DeMaio, and Benny DeMaio, as well as his son Louie of Bridgewater, Larry of South Carolina, and Lisa Triggs of North Carolina.

Lou lived his life loving his family, serving others, making friends, laughing, cheering, and sharing his faith. His family takes comfort in knowing that the words he hoped one day to hear are now his:

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Family and friends are invited to gather for the memorial visitation on Saturday, October 3, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Fucillo & Warren Funeral Home, located at 205 South Main Street, Manville, NJ 08835. A Celebration of Life service will begin at 3:00 p.m. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution may be made to Miriam's Heart, 215 West Union Avenue, Bound Brook, New Jersey 08805.