'He Was My Principal': Services Set For Popular Hoboken Councilman, School Principal

HOBOKEN, NJ — For seventeen years, he was the principal of a small elementary school in the center of Hoboken, and he was loved.

Richard Del Boccio, who was also the city's 2nd Ward councilman, died on Saturday at home at age 84.

Several local officials remembered working with him or even having him as their principal at Calabro Primary School on Park Avenue.

"He was my principal at Calabro School," said 3rd Ward Councilman Michael Russo on Tuesday, "and even as a young child, I could feel how much he genuinely cared. Every student mattered to him."

Russo added, “Whenever Hoboken needed him, he answered the call—never for recognition, but because it was the right thing to do. When our schools needed him, he stepped up as our superintendent, guiding us with a steady hand and a generous heart. As a councilman, serving not just once, but again answering the call for a second time, where he helped steer Hoboken through a critical time of growth and change...We will miss him deeply. But we will carry his spirit forward."

Councilman Ruben Ramos Jr., himself a teacher, said on Wednesday, "I am deeply saddened by the passing of my friend, mentor, and fellow educator, Richard Del Boccio. Richard dedicated his life to the people of Hoboken — not only as a public servant, but as someone who genuinely cared for every resident he encountered... he will be remembered not only for his accomplishments, but for the warmth, integrity, and kindness with which he served."

Del Boccio retired from both politics and education around 2007.

Del Boccio had served as interim superintendent of schools and as an adjust professor at St. Peter's College for a time.

He is survived by his wife Victoria and two daughters.

Services Wednesday And Thursday

Residents should expect some traffic near the funeral home and church where services will be held this week.

Visitation is scheduled for this Wednesday, 2-8, at Failla Memorial Home.

The funeral mass will be held at St. Ann's Church at 10 a.m. this Thursday. Find out more in his obituary here.