Francesco Pernice of the Colonia section of Woodbridge Township passed away on Sunday, March 5, 2017 at home surrounded by his loving family. He was 88 years old.

Born in Villa San Giovanni, Calabria, Italy, he developed a love for the ocean and enjoyed fishing. He moved to Elizabeth, NJ before ultimately settling in Colonia.

Mr. Pernice was a Communicant of St. Cecelias R.C. Church in Iselin; his two passions in life were his family and working in his garden.

He was employed as a machine operator with Phelps Dodge in Elizabeth for 27 years retiring in 1990.

He was predeceased by eight brothers and sisters.

Surviving are his wife of 56 years Albina Fedele Pernice; a daughter Sara Polak and her husband Joseph of Perth Amboy; two sons Carmelo Pernice and his wife Diane of Somerset and Vincenzo Pernice and his wife Darlene of Tabernacle, NJ; five grandchildren Jessica, Joseph, Alyssa, Danielle, and Christina; two great-grandchildren Anthony and Isabella.

Funeral will take place Wednesday 8:45 a.m. at Costello-Koyen Funeral Home 399 Avenel Street, Avenel. A 9:30 a.m. funeral liturgy will take place at St. John Vianney R.C. Church, Colonia. Entombment will be in St. Gertrude's Cemetery, Colonia.

Visiting hours will be Tuesday 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home.