Michael C. Sciarra

Michael C. Sciarra, known affectionately as Mike, passed away on November 13, 2026, in Pompton Plains, New Jersey, after a brief illness. He was born on November 22, 1935, in Hoboken, New Jersey, and lived a life marked by devotion to family, hard work, leadership, and deep community ties.

Mike grew up in Hoboken in a large and loving family of nine children. He was one of five brothers and three sisters, and the values of loyalty, resilience, and responsibility were instilled in him early in life. Those qualities remained with him throughout his years and were evident in the way he carried himself, the way he treated others, and the way he met the responsibilities of his life with strength and pride. He graduated from Hoboken High School, where he made his mark as the captain of the Hoboken football team. Even in his youth, he displayed the determination, discipline, and competitive spirit that would define him for the rest of his life.

Mike was also an amateur boxer, and he embraced the sport with the same courage and intensity that he brought to everything he did. He understood the value of preparation, perseverance, and respect, and those lessons stayed with him long after his days in the ring. His love of football and boxing reflected not only his athletic spirit but also his appreciation for hard work, strategy, and the satisfaction that comes from giving one’s best effort.

In his working life, Mike was a truck driver for Ward Trucking in North Bergen, New Jersey, where he earned the respect of those around him through his reliability and dedication. He later served as a Business Agent for Teamsters’ Local 560 in Union City, New Jersey, and eventually rose to become President of Teamsters’ Local 560. In that role, he organized and led thousands of men and women. He was a true leader and a living legend to those he represented. He was admired for his intelligence, his passion, and his ability to stand firmly for the people he represented. His leadership was measured not only by titles, but by the trust he inspired and the example he set. He approached his work with a sense of duty and fairness, always understanding the importance of standing up for others and honoring the responsibilities entrusted to him.

Mike was a Christian, and his faith was part of the foundation of his life. He lived with a sense of gratitude and purpose, and he valued the bonds of family and friendship above all else. He had a great sense of humor—quick, sharp, and witty—that put people at ease and filled rooms with laughter. He enjoyed football, boxing, playing cards, horse betting, casino gambling, western movies, and the music of Jimmy Roselli and Frank Sinatra. He also loved Italian food, especially homemade sauce with spaghetti, meatballs, sausage, and braciole, as well as a good bowl of pasta fagioli. These interests were part of the life he loved, and they reflected his spirited personality and his enjoyment of the company of others. He had a gift for making those around him feel welcome, and his presence brought warmth, laughter, and strength to the people who knew him best.

He is survived by his daughter Lisa Sciarra Smith; his daughter Kathleen Fallon and her husband Danny; his son Michael Sciarra Jr. and his wife Michele; his daughter Nancy Kellenbach and her partner Scott Pinnix; his eight grandchildren; his seven great-grandchildren; and his sister Jenny. He also leaves behind many beloved family members, including his cousins Michael and Joey Sciarra, his nephew Danny Sciarra, as well as other family, friends, and colleagues who will remember him with deep affection and respect. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 64 years, Kathleen Sciarra, who passed away in February 2025, as well as by his parents, seven brothers, and two sisters. Their memory remained close to his heart throughout his life, and the love they shared helped shape the man he became.

Those who knew Mike will remember him as generous, intelligent, passionate, and quick-witted. He gave freely of himself to the people and causes he cared about, and he brought energy and conviction to everything he pursued. He was a man of strong opinions and stronger character, someone who believed in hard work, honesty, and standing by the people he loved. His life was a testament to the power of perseverance, family devotion, and steadfast leadership.

As it has been said, “The measure of a man is not how much he suffers in the test, but how he comes out at the end.” Mike Sciarra met life’s tests with strength, humor, and integrity, and he came out of them as a man who made people feel respected, supported, and valued. He was a force to be reckoned with—a living legend whose presence commanded respect and whose loyalty never wavered. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the lives he influenced, and the many memories he leaves behind. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.