It is with great sadness that we announce Sergio Antonio Jara Ricardo, 78, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2026, in Flemington, New Jersey, surrounded by his family. He was born on January 8, 1948, in Caacupé, Cordillera, Paraguay, to Catalina Ricardo Duarte and Nicodemo Jara Irala.

Sergio had a lifelong passion for music. In the 1960s, while growing up in Paraguay, he formed a band called Los Raros. He studied science and writing at Colegio Nacional de Asunción and later earned a degree in music and theater from Colegio Nacional de Luque.

He proudly completed his administrative military service at CIMEFOR (Center for Military Instruction and Reserve Officer Training) within the Paraguayan Infantry. Following his service, he continued his studies with the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare in Paraguay, where he went on to work as a supervisor for the National Environmental Sanitation Service.

In the 1980s, Sergio immigrated to New York, eventually settling in New Jersey and Florida. He dedicated more than a decade of his professional life to Livingston High School, where he supervised, mentored, and trained staff in various roles. His guidance and dedication left a lasting impact on those he worked with.

Sergio will be remembered for his warm sense of humor, his love of cooking, and his remarkable ability to bring people together. He was an eloquent orator, and his love of reading led him to begin writing a book on the history of his ancestors. He traveled to many places around the world, including Padua, Italy—the home of Saint Anthony, whom he fervently venerated. He had a gift for creating joy and connection wherever he went.

He is survived by his children: Pedro Jara Delgado (Alicia), Jazmin Jara Delgado de Tessari (Cesar), Jaime Jara Delgado (Maria del Carmen), and Ana Di Sessa (Gregory); his granddaughters: Gabriela, Solange, Valentina, Sofia, and Andrea; and his five sisters: Herenia Jara Mendoza, Catalina Jara Ricardo, Liduvina Jara Fernandez, Rita Jara Almada, and Isabel Jara Amarilla. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Candelaria Jara Ricardo.

A wake will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Cuoco Funeral & Cremation Services Funeral Home 10 West End Avenue in Somerville, New Jersey. A Mass will follow at 7:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help 111 Claremont Road in Bernardsville, New Jersey.

                                                                                                           “Por siempre en nuestros corazones”