Jeffrey Edward Lamela

Jeffrey “Jeff” Edward Lamela passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving wife on October 23, 2025. Jeff was the beloved husband of Kathleen Lamela (née Horan) and the cherished son of the late John and Marguerite (née Griffin) Lamela. He was predeceased by his brother, John Lamela, and is survived by sister-in-laws Linda Lamela and Maureen Horan, his cousins, Keith and Byron Griffin, along with many dear friends and extended family who were touched by his warmth and generosity.

Raised in Montville and then later Parsippany, New Jersey, Jeff lived an extraordinary life marked by service, intellect, and adventure. A proud military officer, he served honorably in Beirut, Lebanon, during a UN Peacekeeping Mission, where he earned both the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. His courage and devotion to his country reflected his determined and deeply patriotic character.

Jeff was also a scholar of remarkable accomplishment. He earned his Doctorate in Mathematics from Princeton University and went on to work at the Institute for Advanced Studies. Over the course of his life, he wore many hats from being a military officer, banking consultant, and mathematician, but his heart remained tied to his roots at the Marion Military Institute in Alabama, where he served proudly on the White Knights Precision Drill Team and later the Pershing Rifles Drill Team at Seton Hall University.

Jeff’s talents and passions were as diverse as they were inspiring. A gifted painter, he inherited his artistic talent from his mother and uncle. He took part in archaeological digs in Colorado, explored military history, and later in life developed a passion for home design and remodeling, personally transforming both his kitchen and bathroom with remarkable care and craftsmanship. Jeff was also a true world traveler.  He visited every continent, including Antarctica, during his doctoral work, and every state in the U.S. except Alaska and South Dakota.

Those who knew Jeff will remember his strength, intelligence, humor, and boundless kindness. To his loved ones, he was a “fighter,” a man who faced life’s challenges with grace, courage, and determination. To Kathleen, he was the love of her life, the person who made her realize all those years ago that he was “the one.”

A memorial service will be held in Jeff’s honor on Friday, November at 14th from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Riotto Funeral Home & Cremation Company, 3205 Kennedy Blvd., Jersey City, NJ (for GPS use: 14 Stagg Street, additional parking available across the street).  In lieu of flowers, donations in Jeff’s memory may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project (http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/), honoring his lifelong devotion to his fellow service members.  Jeff’s family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to their neighbors and to his Marion brothers, especially Tim Ferguson, for their steadfast support and compassion during Jeff’s final days.