Peter J. Avagliano

Peter J. Avagliano, 88, passed away peacefully on October 26, 2019, at Valley Hospital.   He was a longtime resident of Jersey City, NJ.

He was the beloved husband of 67 years to Mary (nee Castagna), former Councilwoman-At-Large for the City of Jersey City.  

Born in Maplewood, NJ, he moved to Jersey City in 1952.  He spent is entire business career at Schiavone-Bonomo Corporation (later Hugo Neu Schnitzer East) and rose from Office Assistant to Executive Vice President.  His career spanned 53 years and he was known as a leader in the steel recycling industry, specializing in ferrous scrap imports.  Peter  served as the President of his trade association, as well as chair of its foreign trade committee. 

Mr. Avagliano’s extensive experience made him a international figure in the industry, most notably in the area of ferrous scrap exports.   

He joined Schiavone-Bonomo in 1950, beginning his career as an office assistant and plant worker, was promoted to vice president in 1976, then became executive vice president in 1985.  At the end of his career he was a senior advisor to Hugo Neu Schnitzer East. 

Mr. Avagliano was very active in the Institute of Scrap Iron and Steel, and was president of its New Jersey Chapter from 1977 to 1979, as well as National Chair of its foreign trade committee in the late 1970s and early 1980s.  

Peter’s career was interrupted in 1953 to serve our Country.   He completed basic training in Louisiana, and ended his military service as a Sergeant with the 10th Mountain Division infantry unit before returning to work.

He graduated from Seton Hall University in 1961 with a degree in management.  

Peter is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Mary; his children John and Joan; his daughter-in-law Marisa and son-in-law Tom Psathas; and his adoring six grandchildren: Kristin, Danielle, Alessia, Peter, James and Giana.   

Peter leaves behind a brother, Alfred, and is predeceased by this parents, Anthony and Josephine, his brothers Joseph and Thomas,  and sister Louise (Wilson).   He also leaves behind many cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and everyone blessed to know him.  

Friends and family are invited to gather on Friday, November 1, 2019 from 4 PM to 8 PM at Riotto Funeral Home & Cremation Company, 3205 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (For GPS Navigation it is best to use the parking lot entrance address: 14 Stagg St., Jersey City).   There will be no viewing on Saturday morning.

Mass will be offered on Saturday, November 2, 2019 at 10 AM at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 99 Broadway, Jersey City.  Entombment will be at Holy Cross Chapel Mausoleum, North Arlington.    

In lieu of flowers, and in acknowledgement of his lifelong dedication to the steel  recycling industry, the family has established the Avagliano Endowment Fund.   Contributions may be made in memory of Peter J. Avagliano to the Avagliano Endowment Fund at the Recycling Education and Research Foundation, 1250 H Street NW, Suite 400, Washington D.C.  20005.