Dr. Nicholas Salvatore Rotonda, EdD

Dr. Nicholas Salvatore Rotonda, EdD, former Mayor of Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, affectionately called “Poppi,” passed away peacefully on February 13, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family and a lifetime of memories well lived. He was born on March 6, 1938, in Englewood, New Jersey, to Mildred Albanese Rotonda and Gennaro Salvatore Rotonda.

Nicholas was a graduate of Leonia High School. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Electrical Engineering and his Master’s degree in Mathematics from Montclair State University, laying the foundation for a distinguished career in education and public service.  A lifelong student, Nicholas obtained his Doctorate in Education from California Coast University.

Raised in Palisades Park, New Jersey, Nicholas developed a strong work ethic, a deep sense of responsibility, and a lifelong commitment to community. He was predeceased by his beloved siblings: Theresa Avella, June Oppici, and Nicholas Genaro Rotonda.

On October 3, 1959, Nicholas married his high school sweetheart, Rosemarie Jean Vegliante. Their 65-year marriage was one of enduring love, partnership, and devotion. Together, they built a life grounded in faith, family, and service. Rosemarie predeceased him, but their bond remained a defining force throughout his life.

Nicholas and Rosemarie raised four children—Gene Rotonda; Nicholas Rotonda; Frank Rotonda; and Rosemarie Hebner—in Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, where they made their home for decades. Nicholas is survived by all of his children. He was also the proud father-in-law to Gene’s wife, Doreen Shea Rotonda, and to Nicholas’s wife, Linda Brandreth Rotonda.

A true patriarch, nothing brought Nicholas greater joy than his family. He was a devoted and adoring grandfather to his eleven grandchildren whom he cherished: Danielle Alexandra Rotonda, Alyssa Rotonda, Marie Christine Rotonda, Christopher Francis Rotonda, Thomas Daniel Hebner, Isabel Rose Tortorella and her husband Senior Airman William Tortorella, Monica Nicole Hebner, Nicholas Patrick Rotonda, Nicholas Christopher Rotonda, Tate Dylan Hebner, and Tyler Nicholas Hebner. He was further blessed with two beloved great-grandchildren, Farrah and Nico, who filled his later years with pride, laughter, and love.

Nicholas dedicated his life to education, leadership, and service. He began his career as an Electrical Engineer at Western Electric in Newark, and later transitioned to his true calling as a mathematics teacher at Northern Highlands High School in Allendale, NJ in 1971, where he inspired students through both discipline and care. He later served as Principal of Lindbergh Elementary School (Pal Pk, NJ) and Palisades Park High School and went on to become Superintendent of Schools in Rahway, New Jersey. His commitment to education was rooted in his belief that teaching was both a responsibility and a calling.

Beyond education, Nicholas was the owner of Rotonda Construction, a Licensed Building Inspector, and a volunteer member of the Mounted Sheriffs, embodying a strong work ethic and an unwavering willingness to take on challenges. Often described as a “true cowboy,” he valued independence, grit, and doing things the right way. Whether leading a school district, serving his town, or managing a construction project, Nicholas brought integrity, courage, strength, and wisdom to everything he did.

An altar boy, a member of Knights of Columbus, he started his faith journey at Saint Nick’s in Palisades Park and continued as a lifelong parishioner of Presentation Catholic Church in Upper Saddle River, Nicholas’s faith guided him throughout his life. His dedication to public service extended beyond education when he proudly served as Mayor of Upper Saddle River, and President of the Board of Education of Northern Highlands High School, always placing the needs of his community first. In 2024 Nicholas was honored for his lifetime achievement by the Bergen County Boat Jumpers.

Dr. Rotonda will be remembered as a philosopher at heart, a mentor to many, a devoted friend, and a man of principle. Thoughtful, strong-willed, loyal, and deeply caring, his presence left a lasting impression on all who knew him. His legacy lives on through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, former students, colleagues, and friends.

Visitation will be held on Monday from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM & 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Van Emburgh-Sneider-Pernice Funeral Home, 109 Darlington Avenue, Ramsey. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 10:30 AM at Church of the Presentation in Upper Saddle River, NJ. Entombment will follow at Maryrest Cemetery in Mahwah.

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