Salvatore Pizzuro, Democratic leader, dies at 74

Dr. Salvatore Pizzuro, the co-chairman of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee Disability Caucus, died on December 17.  He was 74.

A psychologist and attorney who specialized in mental disability law, he had a private practice and was a clinician for the Rutherford and Elmwood Park school districts.

“The State of New Jersey has lost a great man and a fierce advocate for people living with disabilities,” said Democratic State Chairman John Currie. “In Dr. Pizzuro’s time as the leader of the NJDSC Disability Caucus, he worked tirelessly to ensure that disability rights was at the forefront of the conversation.”

Currie saluted Pizzuro for believing the “Democratic Party that was inclusive and welcoming of all, a fight that he continued until the very end.”

“He believed in a Though he will be deeply missed, his advocacy and voice on the issues that he fought for will live on,” Currie said.  “Together, we must honor his legacy by taking the baton on his work to improve the lives of those living with disabilities throughout our state.”

Pizzuro is survived his friend, Patricia Caggiano, his brother and his sister.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Queen of Peace Church in Kearny at 11:00 AM on Monday, followed by an internment at Holy Cross Cemetery. Visitation is on Sunday from 2-6 PM at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home in Kearny.