Pasquale “Pat” Trombetta, 87, of Woodbridge, New Jersey, passed away on Thursday, August 6, 2026 surrounded by his loving family. He left behind a legacy of service, friendship, humor, and love for his family and community.

Born on August 12, 1938, in Jersey City, New Jersey, he made Woodbridge his home in 1966 and spent the next six decades helping shape the community he loved.

A proud veteran of the United States Army, he carried the values of service, dedication, and integrity throughout his life. He enjoyed a distinguished 32-year career with Bristol-Myers Squibb, retiring in 1999 as a Product Development Manager. While he was proud of his professional accomplishments, it was his commitment to his hometown that truly defined him.

He devoted countless hours to Woodbridge through public service and volunteerism. He was an usher at St. James RC Church. He served on the Township Planning Board and the Mayor's Advisory Committee. He also served as Democratic Committeeman and dedicated 19 years as Co-Chairman of the Woodbridge Senior Olympics, helping create opportunities for seniors to stay active, healthy, and connected.

His greatest joy, however, was the Woodbridge Senior Billiards Club, which he proudly co-founded in 2004. What began as a shared love of the game grew into a second family, where lifelong friendships were formed around pool tables, laughter, and friendly competition. He also took great pride in organizing the club's annual Toy Drive, ensuring that local children experienced the joy of the holiday season. While he would gladly offer advice on anyone else's shot, he would probably insist that any missed shots of his own were the table's fault.

His extraordinary commitment to the community earned him many well-deserved honors, including being named Woodbridge Citizen of the Year in 2022, receiving the 2014 Carol S. Hila Humanitarian Award from the Woodbridge Metro Chamber of Commerce, serving as Grand Marshal of the 2010 Columbus Day Ceremony, and receiving the Key to the Town during Woodbridge's 350th anniversary celebration. Though he appreciated the recognition, the friendships he made and the lives he touched meant far more to him than any award.

At the age of 48, he suffered the heartbreaking loss of his beloved wife, Barbara. He never remarried, carrying her memory in his heart for the rest of his life.

Outside of his community service, he rarely missed cheering on his beloved New York Yankees, celebrating every victory and lamenting every loss with equal passion. Even during his final days, his sense of pride and humor never left him. Up until nearly the very end, he would ask that his hair be brushed, reminding those around him that looking your best was always worth the effort.

Above all, he was a devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, mentor, and neighbor. He believed that a life well lived was measured by the good you did for others, and by that measure, his life was truly extraordinary.

He is survived by his son, Patrick (Eileen) of Cranbury, New Jersey; his daughter, Judy Grabler (Glen) of Tinton Falls, New Jersey; and his son, Michael of Brick, New Jersey; along with his grandchildren, Ryan, Courtney, Colleen, Cole, Kyle, and Noah, as well as his great-grandchildren, Charlotte, Ryder, Ella and Vincenzo. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Barbara, parents, Pasquale and Ventura (Miccio) Trombetta, brothers Joseph and Charles Trombetta and sisters Anne Pavone and Lucille Meyer.

His family finds comfort in imagining that he has been reunited with Barbara, found a perfectly level pool table, and finally has a front-row seat to watch the Yankees from above.

Funeral Services will take place on Wednesday August 12, 2026 at 9:15 a.m. from Costello-Greiner Funeral Home 44 Green Street Woodbridge, NJ 07095. A10:00 a.m.  Funeral Liturgy will follow at Saint James Catholic Church in Woodbridge. Entombment will follow at Woodbridge Memorial Gardens. Vistation for family and friends will take place Tuesday August 11, 2026 3:00 p.m. till 7:00p.m. at the funeral home. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, continuing the spirit of generosity and community service that defined his life.

His absence leaves an immeasurable void, but his example of kindness, dedication, generosity, and quiet leadership will continue to inspire everyone fortunate enough to have known him.