Hoboken Icon Dies: Jake Biancamano Was 15, Loved The Outdoors

HOBOKEN, NJ — While some fans of Biacamano's family-run Italian deli on Washington Street came for the fresh "mutz," others liked to pet the fuzzy muzzle of Jake the pug.

Jake, whom the Biancamano family adopted at 3 months old from a shelter in Ohio, passed away last week, four months shy of his 16th birthday.

Jake died of natural causes, his family said. He outlived the average lifespan for the breed, generally 11-15 years.

After Jake's family — Teresa, Pietro, Mario, Christina Marciona, and Peter — brought him home, he led the good life. He often lounged in a bit of fencing just outside the deli, his little nose pulling in the heavenly scents of sliced meats and cheeses. He was also frequently spotted being held by mom Teresa.

"Jake was actually a puggle, half pug/half beagle, although he definitely looked all pug," noted son Peter Biancamano, who was only 21 when Jake arrived. "His favorite place in the world to be was our family deli, since he loved people, but thought he was a tough guy to any dog bigger than him."

Biancamano wrote on social media last week, "After nearly 16 years as a Biancamano, we lost a member of our family who brought us joy and happiness every day. Jake, we love and will miss you so much."

While services are private, you can give condolences to the family in person, as they'll be at Mutzfest in Hoboken on April 30.

Peter had this to say of Jake: "Thanks for being the best pet we could ever have asked for!"