Gregory Dacenko

Gregory Dacenko of Lanoka Harbor, formerly of Totowa, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2026 at the age of 72. Born on July 29, 1953, in Paterson, Greg lived a life marked by love, dedication, and a passion for the simple joys that made for a life well-lived.

Greg graduated from Passaic Valley High School in 1971 and then attended Wesley College in Delaware before then earning his bachelor's degree in History from Montclair State College. He served as a Regional Manager for Toys R Us and then later for many years as a Facilities Manager for Passaic County Community College until retirement.

Greg's life story was interwoven with the threads of his close-knit family. He was a loving brother to Lydia Russo and her husband Joseph of Point Pleasant, Ola Lorusso and her husband Al of Totowa, and Peter Dacenko and his wife Karen of Toms River. His role as an uncle was one he cherished with all his heart, forever impacting the lives of his beloved nieces and nephews: Eric, Christine, Tania, Nina, Tara, Pete Jr., and Michael. His grandnieces and grandnephews—Alex, Sabrina, Ava, Hunter, Giovanni, Allie, Vivian, Cooper, Meadow, Sienna, Carmela, and Archie—found a supportive and adoring champion in their Uncle Greg. He was predeceased by his father Paul Dacenko (2005), his mother Polina (nee Dudka) Dacenko(2013), and Liz Pegel, the love of his life, who passed away in 2017. Greg's memory will live on not only in the hearts of his family but also in those of the many friends he held dear and leaves behind.

After having been raised and living for most of his life in Totowa, Greg lived full-time in Lanoka Harbor for the past twenty years. He loved reading the newspaper daily (yes, the physical newspaper…not online) and his love for gardening and playing the lottery was only outdone by his devotion to his favorite sports teams—the Boston Celtics, Pittsburgh Pirates, and above all, the Miami Dolphins.

Greg will be remembered as the very best uncle and brother, a loyal friend and steadfast supporter to all who were fortunate to cross his path and he will be dearly missed and forever treasured in the memories of those he loved.

Visitation will be held on Thursday from 3-7pm at Bizub-Quinlan Funeral Home, 1313 Van Houten Avenue, Clifton. Funeral Friday with everyone gathering at the funeral home to pay their final respects at 11:45am before then travelling in procession to East Ridgelawn Cemetery, 255 Main Avenue in Clifton for a Graveside Service at 12:30pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org), 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 or Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org), P.O. Box 758516 Topeka, KS, 66675-8516. Please visit www.bizubquinlan.com to leave online condolences to Greg’s family on the Tribute Wall of his obituary page.