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Paul Russell Lawrence Bodrato, 90, Of Closter

CLOSTER, N.J. — Paul Russell Lawrence Bodrato of Closter died on Tuesday, Feb. 9. He was 90.

Known to family, friends and in business as Russell or just Russ, he grew up in Northvale and Norwood and graduated from Closter High School Class of 1943. He served in the US Navy during World War II. After the Navy, he attended business school and joined his father’s business, All Brands Tire Exchange in Hackensack.

Bodrato and his brother Roger expanded the business to include All Brands Auto Sales, a leading independent used car dealership in Bergen County from 1948 to 1968. In 1968, he again expanded All Brands to include the new car line Datsun which became Nissan in 1981. 

The brothers became valued dealers in the Nissan franchise being awarded top sales and service honors throughout their 38 years with them. Over years, Bodrato’s two sons, Gary and Edward, along with Roger’s two sons, Glenn and Graham, joined the family business.

He sat on the Board of Directors for Midland Bank and Trust (now Valley National Bank) and held a seat on the Dealer Advisory Board at Valley. He was a long time member of White Beeches Country Club, a 64 year member of the Masonic Temple, a life member of the Elks, long time member of the American Legion Post 366 in Northvale and Honorary Member of PBA Local in Hackensack.

He is survived by Eleanor, his wife of 67 years; his children, Gary and his wife Mary of River Vale; Edward and his companion Kim of Dumont; and Chante’ of Closter; five grandchildren, Kelli and fiancé Tim, Molly and her fiancé Alex, Toni and her husband William, Paul and his fiancé Amy, Victoria and his great granddaughter Jasmin.

Visitation will be at Pizzi Funeral Home 120 Paris Ave Northvale on Thursday Feb. 11 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral services are Friday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with, interment to follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY. In lieu of flowers, make a donation to your favorite charity.

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