Randy Riotto is a prominent figure in Jersey City, known for his lifelong commitment to serving the community. He co-founded Riotto Funeral Home with his mother, Mary Riotto Dolcemascolo, in 1958
Randy was born and raised in theMarion Section of Jersey City. Hisgrandparents Guiseppeand Concetta Tedesco were pillars in the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish and were instrumental in guiding Randy to becoming the first neighborhood funeral director.
A licensed New Jersey and New Yorkfuneral director since 1950, Randyattended McAllister School of Embalming &Funeral Directing in New York, NY. He served as a medic in the United States Armyduring the Korean War. Randy and his wife Olga have three children; Randy Jr. and Richard also funeral directors anda daughter Lorraine, a physician.
In 1961, Randy served as chairman of the JerseyCity Sewerage Authority. He is a memberof the Hudson County Funeral Director’s Association, and served as itsPresident in 1965. He served as President of Unico of Jersey City Chapter in1966.
Randyis a longtime member of JerseyCity Rotary Club, Forest Hill Golf Club, Casa Colombo Museum, University Club,Tiro A Segno Rifle Club of New York, New York Athletic Club, Knights ofColumbus, a life member of the American Legion and honorary trustee of theDante Alighieri Society.
Randy was selected as the 1991 Man of theYear by the Dante Alighieri Society of Jersey City and the Hudson CountyColumbus Day Parade Committee. On the 100th anniversary of the DanteAlighieri Society he was honored as Centurion Man of the Year.
Randy was the Voice of Columbus for two yearsand in 2001 he was the Grand Marshall for the Columbus Day Parade. Randy was inducted in to the Wm. L. DickinsonHigh School Hall of Fame for his outstanding achievement and moralcharacter.
In 2013, Randy received the "Publisher's Front Page Award" by the Italian Voice and was awarded "Best of New Jersey" by the Italian Tribune. In 2014, hereceived the Legacy of Service award from the Jersey City Rotary. In 2015, hewas honored by Cusack Care Center as Community Partner in Caring.Randy was selectedas the Honorary Irishman of the Yearfor the2016 Jersey City St. Patrick's Day Parade.
On Veterans Day in 2022, Randy was honored by Hudson County as "Veteran of the Year" for the City of Jersey City. Randy's name is inscribed on the Korean War Veterans Memorial located on the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway in the Morris Canal section of Liberty State Park, Jersey City.
On Monday, October 2, 2023, Randy's enduring legacy was honored by Hudson County, with the dedication of the corner of Stagg St. and Kennedy Blvd. in Jersey City as 'Randy Riotto Way.'
Randy's commitment to service and his unwavering dedication to his community serve as an inspiration to all those who know him.
