R. Russell Corona

The world lost a one-of-a-kind man on Monday, December 10, 2018 when R. Russell Corona was taken from us all too soon at the age of 68. Born in Passaic in 1950, Russ was a lifelong resident of Clifton before retiring to Totowa in 2016.

Voted Best Dressed by his 1969 classmates from Clifton High School, Russ was proud to be a member of the Wrestling team there. He later began his collegiate education at Robert Morris University, collecting an Associate Arts Degree before earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration from Bloomfield College in January 1975. It was only fitting that his focus was on business. In his words, he was "born to sell." A true entrepreneur in every sense, he began his professional career by selling wigs, antiques, and various items on consignment before taking a risk and entering the plastics manufacturing industry, becoming founding partner and President of R&R Plastics, Inc. Since November 1977, the company has been a stalwart in Passaic, NJ - manufacturing and distributing plastic diffusers for lighting - while carving out an impressive regional footprint within the industry. Together, with his partner and family member, Sergio Valente, the two men grew a true small business into an industry titan over the course of over 4 decades - and the business is still thriving today. The two partners were like brothers and their success was predicated on sharing one brain, so to speak, but more importantly, sharing the same lofty goals for both business and in life. Even though Russ retired in January 2017, he remained an advisor to R&R Plastics and his partnership with Sergio will last forever.

Throughout his time in business, Russ served as President of the Passaic/Clifton UNICO chapter, and was a Past-Board Member of General hospital in Passaic. Additionally, he was a member of the Holy Name Society at St. Clare RC Church in Clifton, and a faithful parishioner of St. Philip the Apostle RC Church, also in Clifton.

However, all of his business accomplishments pale in comparison to the person Russ was. Thanks to his bright smile and charismatic personality, the former business owner was a joy to be around and the whole room brightened around him simply by his presence. That joy was never more apparent than when he was beside his family. While he may have had a business partner, his true partner in life was his loving wife, Virginia Corona (nee Lepre). Married on Valentine's Day 1976, Russ and "Ginny" were a match for the ages. Between her large family and even larger personality, she was the perfect match for his quick wit and incredible love of family. Together, they brought their only daughter, Jennifer, into the world and that's when Russ's life truly began a new chapter as he became a Dad. That title was his most important in life. His best years were spent surrounding himself with Jen's friends and their parents, watching her sporting events and giving sound advice to all those willing to listen - and listen they did. From his advice on ‘compound interest,' to never taking "no" for an answer and always putting your best foot forward, he was a true mentor to family and friends alike. As Jen's own life grew, he became Dad to a son (in-law) and entered the final chapter of his life as Grandpa. Between 42 years of marriage, one daughter, a son-in-law, two grandkids and one expected third grandchild, many life-long friends and business associates, Russ led a full and rich life. He enjoyed blues music, dancing, telling stories and always helped others - especially within his family - never asking for anything in return. He will forever leave a void in the hearts of those who knew him, all of whom are lucky to have been blessed to know both him and his huge heart in return.

Russ was predeceased by his parents, Rocco (1987) and Mary Jane (nee Zangara) in 1996. He is survived by his beloved wife, Virginia (nee Lepre) Corona, of Totowa; his cherished daughter Jennifer Angelillo and her husband, Greg, of Wayne; two adored grandchildren: Gianna and Marco Angelillo and by an eagerly expected third grandchild as well as countless nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visiting will be Sunday from 2-6 pm at Bizub-Quinlan Funeral Home, 1313 Van Houten Avenue, Clifton. Funeral services will be Monday 9:15 am from the funeral home and 10:00 am at St. Philip the Apostle RC Church, 797 Valley Road, Clifton. In lieu of flowers and in honor of his brave granddaughter, Gianna, memorial contributions are being asked for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (www.jdrf.org), 1480 U.S. Route 9, Woodbridge, NJ 07095, as the family appreciates your support. Please visit www.bizub.com for driving directions and online condolences.