Obituary of Peter A. Ciliberto, Sr.
Middlesex, NJ – Peter A. Ciliberto, Sr., 85, passed away on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at his home in Middlesex, NJ.
Born in Norristown, PA, to the late Anthony and Philomena Ciliberto, Peter grew up in Lansdale, PA where he graduated Little Flower Catholic High School, before attending La Salle University in Philadelphia. Following his love of languages, Peter attained a Bachelors’ Degree in Foreign Language Education from La Salle.
In 1961, following his college graduation, he married Frances Goettner, and the two relocated to Plainfield, NJ. Here, Peter began his teaching career at Plainfield High School. Three years later, in 1964, they settled in Middlesex, where they continued to grow their family, raised their five children, and have been residents since.
Peter proudly, and graciously, served the students of Plainfield High School not only as a French teacher, but as a mentor and leader. Dedicated to his students, Peter would often volunteer for after school events, including many proms through the years, which would double as date nights with his wife Fran. After a 35 year career, Peter retired in 1996.
An avid bike rider, Peter often times rode his bike to work; he enjoyed swimming and bowling, but above all, he cherished time with his grandchildren the most. He could often be found supporting them at their various sporting events, or just spending time with them.
A deeply faithful man, Peter was dedicated to the Lord, beginning schooling to become a priest, but ultimately not completing it, however he continued to serve the Lord throughout his life. He was an active parishioner of Our Lady of Mount Virgin RC Church since moving to Middlesex, and during that time, he served as a Lector and Cantor for over 55 years. For many years, he also worked as a Janitor for Our Lady of Mount Virgin’s School. Peter also took annual weekend retreats to Pray with the Men of Malvern in Pennsylvania for over 60 years, and was active with the Knights of Columbus in his younger years.
Predeceased by his son, Anthony Ciliberto, and sister Laura Mae, Peter is survived by his wife of 64 years, Frances (nee Goettner) Ciliberto; sons, Peter (Francine) and Thomas (Nin); daughters, Monica (Michael) Esposito and Madeleine Buarne; and grandchildren, Francesca (Shane), Joey, Matthew, Catherine, Gianni (Amanda), Andrew, Michelle, Philip, Annelise, Peter, Anthony, James, Austin, Rosalie, Alissa, Kristina, and Ava. He will also be missed by his two great grandchildren, Aria and Matteo, as well as a host of extended relatives and friends.
A visitation will be held in the Middlesex Funeral Home, 528 Bound Brook Road, Middlesex, NJ, on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, from 4 PM to 8 PM.
A funeral mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Mount Virgin RC Church, 600 Harris Avenue, Middlesex, NJ, on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 11 AM. Family and friends may gather at the funeral home prior to mass, beginning at 10 AM.
Entombment will follow at Resurrection Burial Park, 899 E. Lincoln Avenue, Piscataway, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, the Ciliberto family has requested that donations be made to the Our Lady of Mount Virgin Parish Saint Vincent de Paul society, 600 Harris Avenue
Middlesex, NJ 08846,in Peter’s name.