Obituary of Matthew W. Pericola

It is with great sadness that we must announce the passing of Matthew Pericola, affectionately known as “Buzzy.” Matthew was born in April of 1945 in Jersey City, New Jersey. He was then raised in Lake Parsippany alongside his 2 siblings. After graduating from Morris Catholic High School in 1963 he began a career at Sandoz, now known as Novartis. He began working there at 18 and never stopped until his retirement at 53. He gave over 35 years of hard work to this company and his commitment and dedication is something to admire.

When he wasn’t at work, Buzzy had many passions, all of which he loved to share with the love of his life, Lidiya. Lidiya and Matthew were married in July of 1998 and shared over 25 years of bliss together doing the things they loved. This included tending to their garden where they harvested all types of plants from tomatoes to figs. Every year he tried to grow a pumpkin bigger than himself. This year he succeeded with a pumpkin weighing 435 lbs! They also liked to take rides on one of Buzzy’s motorcycles, often going down to Daytona, Florida for Bike Week. One thing was for sure, if Buzzy was there, everything was going to be okay and a good time was surely to be had!

Matthew was many things and left an indelible mark on the hearts of so many. He will be remembered as an independent man with a strong moral compass, a selfless and kind personality, and so much love in his heart. Although we are saddened by his passing, we take comfort in knowing that he is at peace in an eternal paradise. We look now to those he leaves behind to carry on his memory of compassion, love, and strength. His survivors include his beloved wife, Lidiya Pericola; his daughter, Dawn Rankin and her husband Matthew; his grandchildren, Troy and Cole Rankin; his siblings, Thomas Pericola and his wife Maria “Gigi” and Elaine Lee and her husband Bobby; and a wealth of extended family, friends, and neighbors who will remember him fondly.

A Memorial Visitation for Matthew will be held on Saturday, January 6th from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM with a Funeral Service beginning at 12:30 PM at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville, NJ 07834. Please share a memory, leave a condolence, or light a candle to celebrate Buzzy’s life and let his light continue to shine.