Obituary of Eleanor Pullara

Eleanor Pullara (nee Pagnillo), 74, of Little Falls, passed away suddenly on May 14, 2020. Eleanor was born on June 26, 1945 to the late Anthony and Rose (Malatesta) Pagnillo. Eleanor was raised in West Paterson and often spoke of wonderful memories growing up there.  She attended Passaic Valley High School and was a proud graduate.

Eleanor loved to work and was a dedicated employee throughout her career.  Her first professional job was for Brogan Cadillac, loving every minute of it.  She also worked in banking for many years and GMAC Financing before settling in with Ben S. Loeb/Points of Light in Fairfield.  She happily worked there for over twenty years until her retirement in 2014 and often spoke highly of her boss and colleagues, keeping in touch with them frequently. After a few years home, Eleanor’s love for work led her to accept a part-time job as greeter for ShopRite in Little Falls where she proudly worked alongside her daughter, Kelli.

Cooking and baking was a true passion for Eleanor, developing a catalog of recipes that will be treasured for years to come by her children.  Eleanor loved to dress beautifully, accessorizing every outfit just so. She enjoyed shopping, lottery scratch-offs, Bromilow Chocolates and her Mazda Miata. Eleanor was the absolute best gift giver, always finding the perfect something for someone. 

Above all, family meant the most to Eleanor and she dedicated her life to them. After her husband’s passing in 2018 she often spoke of the day she would be reunited with him so they could be together for eternity.

Eleanor was predeceased by her beloved husband of nearly 53 years, Samuel Pullara in 2018; She was the adored mother of four devoted children and devoted son-in-law; Kristin Peché and her husband Michael of North Caldwell, Karin Pullara, Brian Pullara and Kelli Pullara, all of Little Falls. She is also survived by her cherished dogs Rudy and Chloé and her granddog Rainy. She was the dear sister of Irma Byrnes and her husband Lawrence, and sister in law of Della Pulicicchio and Rae Hamway. Eleanor is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews, dedicated cousins, loyal friends and wonderful neighbors. 

Due to the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic, a private burial will be held at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Totowa. A memorial Mass will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to FOWA (Friends of Wayne Animals), a non-profit rescue organization dedicated to the welfare, sheltering and placement of homeless animals:

FOWA

PO Box 3701

Wayne, NJ 07470