BEDMINSTER-
Louis Terraglia
June 1, 1947-March 14, 2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of the patriarch of our family Louis (“Lou”)Terraglia at the age of 77.
Born Luigi Terraglia to parents Giovanni and Assunta (Cuccinello) on June 1, 1947 in the city of Avellino in the Campania region of Italy. In 1955, at the age of 8, Luigi and his parents immigrated to the United States looking for new opportunities. They arrived in New York on August 6, 1955 via the ship, The Saturnia. They settled into a home in Jersey City, NJ and he began his new life here in the U.S.  In just a short time Luigi got his first job that he would do before going to school, then help his mother who was a seamstress after school so he could help support his family. In this time he taught himself how to speak English and forged his way to become an American citizen at the age of 13, when his name was also changed to Louis. Over the first decade in this country, he and his family opened and sold several businesses. After graduating Dickinson High School in Jersey City, Lou and his family opened their first restaurant in Plainfield, New Jersey. On June 17, 1965 at the age of 18, and 10 short years after coming to this country he, alongside his brother Salvatore and parents opened Conca D’oro restaurant. The Conca D’oro is where his passion for food and hospitality began. His easy nature and charisma made him a natural, and his determination and work ethic made him a success. This led to the opening of their second restaurant named Portofino in North Plainfield.

The Conca D’oro is where he would meet his future wife Charlene (Giejda). For those that grew up in Plainfield, Charlene was “off limits” as she was the daughter of “Big Frank” and Harriet Giejda….if you know, you know.  They were married August 6, 1972, 17 years to the day that he arrived in the U.S. They settled in a home in North Plainfield and started their family. They then moved to Bedminster, NJ where he would live the rest of his life.  On June 11, 1991 Lou and his brother, Salvatore, opened Luna Rossa Ristorante in the historic Pluckemin section of Bedminster which they owned for over 30 years.

After his retirement in 2021, Lou and Charlene spent time visiting family in Florida and Vermont.
He will be remembered for not only being a great family man and business owner, but also for the compassionate human being he was. He was a devout Catholic who believed in being in the service of God and to his community and mankind.

Lou was continually reading and learning about things that he was interested in. He never stopped learning! This allowed him to also become a great teacher of lessons big and small.  Lou was truly a mentor to too many to count.

Lou’s legacy of entrepreneurship, hard work and secret recipes continues with his children, grandchildren and nephew.

On Friday, March 14, Lou passed peacefully surrounded by his loved ones. He is predeceased by his parents Giovanni and Assunta, brothers Pasquale and Salvatore, and granddaughter Avalina.

Lou  is survived by his wife Charlene and children Assunta (Crisci) and husband Anthony, Danielle, Cristina (Pizzigoni) and husband Louis, and son Luigi. Grandchildren Giuseppe Crisci, Isabella Crisci and Louis Pizzigoni. Along with many nieces and nephews that love him dearly.

In lieu of flowers, you can make a donation to the “Big Frank Memorial Scholarship” that was started by Lou and Charlene. This scholarship supports a graduating Plainfield High School football player’s goal to achieve a higher education.  This is just one way that they give back to a community that is very important to them.

Donations can be sent to:
Big Frank Memorial Scholarship
c/o Charlene Terraglia
Post Office Box 97
Pluckemin, NJ 07978

Visitation will be held at Cuoco Funeral Home 10 West End Avenue in Somerville, NJ on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 from 3:00pm to 8:00pm.  A Funeral Mass 10:00am will be Thursday, March 20, 2025 at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, 35 Mountain Avenue, Somerville, NJ 08876 followed by an Entombment at St. Bernard Cemetery in Bridgewater, NJ.

Antonietta E. Cuoco and staff at the funeral home are honored to serve the Terraglia family.

To share a fond memory of Louis or to offer a condolence to her family, please visit www.Cuocofuneralandcremation.com
                 
                                            “Always and Forever in Our Hearts”