Future Uncertain For Belleville Funeral Home With ‘Sopranos’ Link

BELLEVILLE, NJ — There could be a new future down the road for a funeral home in Belleville that has been featured on one of the most successful shows in TV history, but not everyone is on board with it.

Premier Developers of Englewood Cliffs is under contract to buy the Irvine Cozzarelli Memorial Home on Washington Avenue, News 12 New Jersey reported Friday.

The property’s sale depends on a few contingencies, but may be closed by early 2023, NJ.com reported.

Built in 1885, the funeral home was the setting for many of the wakes and funerals on “The Sopranos.”

Last month, the Belleville Town Council passed a resolution that authorizes the planning board to investigate if a group of properties on Washington Avenue and Valley Street are eligible to be declared a “non-condemnation area in need of redevelopment.” The cited properties include 272 Washington Avenue, 274-278 Washington Avenue and 163 Valley Street. Read More: Belleville Considers Redevelopment On Washington, Valley

Earlier this month, the Belleville Historical Society released an op-ed, saying the group was concerned about the potential designation of the Cozzarelli Memorial Home as an area in need of redevelopment, which could potentially lead to the building's demolition.

“The building was constructed in 1887 and as far as we know, it was Belleville's first funeral home,” the historical society stated. “It is one of the last surviving historical structures in Belleville.”

• See related article: Preserve This Belleville 'Town Jewel,' Historical Society Says (Op-Ed)

The cousin of the late owners, Frank Cozzarelli, said the family unsuccessfully tried to find another funeral home operator to take over the property. He added that he doesn't think the home is a historical piece of property and said that it needs a lot of work, News 12 New Jersey reported.

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