Death Of Ridgewood Assistant Principal Leaves Community In Mourning

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — A massive outpouring of grief was triggered in the wake of Ridgewood High School Assistant Principal Basil Pizzuto's sudden death on Wednesday.

Pizzuto, who would have turned 50 on Thanksgiving Day, served at Ridgewood High for more than 20 years, first as an educator, then grade administrator and, finally, as one of the school's two assistant principals, sources said.

He had reportedly collapsed for a reason unknown as of this time.

"Absolutely crushed to hear that my colleague and friend, Basil, has tragically passed away," Ridgewood High School Secretary Lesley Whyard said. "Basil was larger than life in every way. He was Ridgewood High School."

A father to two boys, Pizzuto was like a father to countless others, Whyard said.

"RHS will never be the same," she added.

Not only is the school community mourning the loss of Pizzuto, as he had worn the proverbial many hats and was well respected across the county.

He was an assistant chaplain with the Saddle Brook Fire Department, and a captain with Saddle Brook Hook and Ladder Co. 1.

"Basil was a friend to everyone. A shoulder to lean on. A buddy to party with. And a dedicated public servant, in many more ways than a firefighter," Saddle Brook Engine Co. 2 wrote. "You will be missed by all, Basil."

"We lost a great friend and brother," Saddle Brook firefighter Kevin Seitz said. "I am still lost for words. Rest In Peace, Basil."

Pizzuto was also the Director of Music, and an organist and pianist, at St. Philip the Apostle Roman Catholic Church in Saddle Brook.

"Basil... You were one of a kind (and) had the biggest heart," Pizzuto's sister Heidi Rose Pizzuto Sabat wrote. "You were absolutely the best big brother a girl could ask for. I will cherish all the memories we had. You were always there no matter what — no questions and no judgment."

"Fly high, big brother," Sabat added. "This is not goodbye; this is see you later."