"Gio" Pertuz, the 49-year-old president of Co. 2 and proud married father of two, died suddenly on Monday.
More than $600 had been raised as of Wednesday for his wife, Linda and children, Matthew and Nicole on a GoFundMe page launched by the township's fire department and employees.
“Loved his kids. A great dad,” a colleague said. “We’re all a bit devastated.”
A Hackensack native, Pertuz owned Master Fire and Electric on Franklin Turnpike in Mahwah, which installed, service and inspected fire alarm systems.
Condolences poured in.
"Even [though] my time in co 2 was short," said Patrick O'Carroll, "you still made me feel like I was family when I was there."
"I will really miss him," childhood friend Warren Cook said. "He always knew how to get to me good or bad always had a lot of love and respect for him."
"So sad to hear of your passing," added Maryann Totaro, "you always had a sweet smile and you were a good hearted man rip geo💕."
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