Freddie Auferio Obituary

In Loving Memory of Freddie Auferio
November 21, 1950 – May 7, 2025
With hearts both heavy and grateful, we celebrate the life of Freddie Auferio, a beloved father, partner, brother, grandfather, and friend, whose earthly journey concluded on May 7, 2025. Born in Orange, NJ on November 21, 1950, and raised in West Orange, NJ, Freddie carried the vibrant spirit of his hometown with him throughout his life-fiercely loyal, endlessly passionate, and joyfully devoted.
Freddie was the cherished son of Ferdinand Auferio and Julia Sprechini, both of whom predeceased him. He was married to the late Theresa Formichelli, with whom he built a loving family and shared deep bonds of joy and challenge until her passing in 1990. In the years that followed, Freddie found enduring companionship and joy with his longtime partner Suzanne Rubino, with whom he shared a beautiful and fulfilling life. He was the proud father of four sons: the late Bryan Auferio (and his wife Whitney), Adam Auferio (and his wife Nan), Freddie Auferio, Jr. (and his wife Erin), and Daniel Auferio. His legacy continues through his beloved grandchildren, Fiona (12) and Blaze (10) Auferio, whose softball, baseball, basketball, football, and volleyball games and achievements brought him immense pride and joy. They will forever miss seeing "Pop" cheering them on from the sidelines. Freddie is also survived by his dear brother Anthony Auferio and sister-in-law Frances, along with their children, Leah Tirch and Chris Auferio, and their families, who brought warmth and laughter to Freddie's life.
A proud veteran, Freddie served his country as a turret mechanic in the United States Army, a service that mirrored the discipline and precision he later brought to his life's passions and work. His love for automobiles became his livelihood as the proud owner and operator of Mr. Mike's Auto Coach in Montclair, NJ. With the same meticulous attention he gave to his work in the Army, Freddie helped to build Mr. Mike's into a trusted institution until his retirement in 2019, when he honorably passed the torch to his son, Freddie Jr.
Freddie was a man of deep rhythm-both mechanical and musical. In the late 1960s, he found his first brush with stardom as a member of the acapella and doo-wop group, The Formations, recording five albums between 1967 and 1968. A passionate drummer, Freddie's musical talent later found its outlet in local rock bands, Road Kill and Soul Circus, where he brought joy to countless fans with his infectious energy and boundless love for performance.
Freddie's life was a testament to loyalty-none more apparent than his devotion to his favorite sports teams: the New York Jets, Mets, and Knicks. No matter the scoreboard, Freddie cheered with heart and grit, a faithful fan to the end.
In his final years, Freddie found his greatest joys in the simple and profound pleasures of family, good meals, stories shared, and sideline cheers at his grandchildren's games. His was a life lived with gusto, humor, and deep love-a heart as loud as his drums and as steady as his tools.
Freddie Auferio leaves behind an enduring melody of resilience, warmth, and love. He was a man who built, played, cheered, and most of all, loved fiercely. His song may have ended, but his music lives on in all who knew him.
Rest easy, Freddie. The beat goes on.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Tunnel to Towers Foundation
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