Matthew A. Pica

Matthew A. Pica, 89, born in Newark, NJ, long time resident of Belleville and Manahawkin, NJ, son of Samuel and Irene Pica (Pettinari),  brother to Samuel H. Pica was proud to serve his country and his community. A graduate of Belleville High School, class of 1955, and Fairleigh Dickinson University, Matthew dedicated his life to public service, leadership and family.

He was honored by the by the New Jersey State Assembly for his lifelong commitment to his community. He proudly served in the United States Army with the 69th Division, 24th Signal Company, and the 1st Army Division. During his service, he held a secret clearance and carried out his duties with honor and integrity.

Matthew went on to serve the Township of Belleville as the President of the Belleville Board of Education, and preserve public safety as Police/Fire Commissioner. He later became a Corporate Officer with Ria Industries, a major supplier of concrete in New Jersey. He further went on to be VP of sales for The Kaighn Company in which he continued to work until his passing. He also served as President of the Italian American club of Manahawkin. It was his way or no way when making the gravy for pasta tonight.

Matthew often said “None of this would be possible if I wasn’t blessed with my wife, Margarita Ruiz Pica.” They shared 57 years together. He was also blessed with two children, Lisa C. DeAngelis and Matthew S. Pica, who expanded his family with cherished grandchildren: Nicole (Aaron),  Paul, Vincent,  Jillian (Jamie), Marlisa (Kelly), Samantha (Patrick). He was further blessed through Lisa’s spouse, James DeAngelis, and through Matthews fiancé,  Mary Bixler. As well as four great grandchildren who often called him “Beach Pop-Pop” and many nieces and nephews.

 He was grateful for the companionship brought into his life by Priscilla and Melanie Martin. 

He lived a full and blessed life, and he often said that anyone who read his story should be so lucky.

God bless.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 from 4 to 8 PM at Barnegat Funeral Home, 841 W. Bay Ave., Barnegat, NJ. Mass offered 10:30 AM on Thursday, November 20, 2025 at St. Mary Of The Pines Church, Manahawkin, NJ. 

There will also be a Visitation at Megaro Memorial Home, 503 Union Ave, Belleville, NJ 07109 on Friday, November 21, 2025 from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM followed by a Graveside Service at 1:15 PM at Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington, NJ.  (www.BarnegatFH.com) 

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Eric Blohm Foundation,  P.O. Box 263, Landing, NJ 07850.  100% of your donation will benefit the children battling cancer.

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