John Pesaniello, 96, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at his home in South Plainfield, NJ.

Born in South Plainfield to the late Angelina and Eugene Pesaniello, John has been a lifelong resident of the Borough. For over 60 years, he co-owned Gene’s Auto Wreckers alongside his brother Gene.

A talented mechanic, John was always working on some car or engine. He was an expert on restoring and repairing MG Midgets from the 1950’s, and his pride and joy was his red 1954 MGTF.

Above all else, his family was most important. John was always looking forward to birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays, and could often be found lending a helping hand at the stove with the gravy, or cooking up his famous spaghetti sauce.

John is predeceased by his parents, Angelina and Eugene Pesaniello; brother, Eugene Pesaniello; sisters, Janet Calderone, and Amelia Dorosh, and great granddaughter, Olivia.

Surviving are John’s wife of 71 years, Dorothy (nee Roberts) Pesaniello; daughter Cathy Bechtle and her husband Ken; stepson, Robert Johnson and his wife Dawn; granddaughters, Amanda Marriner and her husband Joe and Lindsey Szalkowski and her husband Todd, and step granddaughters, Carrian and Crystal Johnson. He will also be deeply missed by his great grandchildren, William, Maya, Emma, and Lincoln.

Cremation services were held privately.