Paul G. Cancro Jr.

Paul G. Cancro Jr., 88, of Bayonne, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 24, 2026, leaving behind a legacy deeply woven into the fabric of the city he proudly called home his entire life.

Born and raised in Bayonne, Paul was the kind of man who never strayed far from where it all began. Like many of his generation, his roots were grounded in family, hard work, and community pride. Paul was a proud graduate of Bayonne High School, where his love for athletics first took root. He went on to attend Boston University, an experience that further shaped his lifelong passion for sports, competition, and teamwork. Paul was inducted into the Bayonne High School Hall of Fame and the Hudson County Hall of Fame for his football achievements. Paul was an avid New York Giants and Boston Red Sox fan. . . and he loved horse racing.

Paul dedicated his career to the Bayonne Board of Education, where he became a respected and familiar presence to students, staff, and families alike. Rising to the role of Athletic Director, he helped shape Bayonne athletics into a source of pride for the town. Whether it was Friday night games, packed gyms, or early morning practices, Paul was there—supporting student-athletes and building a culture that extended far beyond the field.

In a town where everyone seems to know everyone, Paul was one of those names that carried weight—in the best way. He was known for his steady demeanor, his commitment to “his kids,” and his belief in giving young people opportunities to succeed through sports and discipline.

He was the beloved husband of the late Rose Marie (Annunziata) Cancro, with whom he shared 63 years of marriage—raising their family right here in Bayonne. Together, they built a life centered around family dinners, local traditions, and the simple joys of being surrounded by loved ones.

Paul was a devoted father to Donna Schaefer and her late husband Eric, Carole Ann and husband Stephen, Paul III and his wife Maureen, and Wayne Anthony and his wife Jennifer. He was a proud grandfather to 11 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren whose greatest happiness came from watching his family grow. His home was one where stories were told, laughter was constant, and everyone felt welcome. Paul is also survived by a multitude of other loving family members and dear friends.

If you lived in Bayonne long enough, chances are you crossed paths with Paul—at a game, in a school hallway, or just around town. He was part of the generation that helped define what Bayonne is today: loyal, hardworking, and deeply connected.

His passing leaves a space that won’t easily be filled, but his impact will live on in the countless students he mentored, the programs he built, and the family he loved so deeply.

Visitation for Paul will be held on Wednesday, April 29th from 3-8 PM at Migliaccio Funeral Home, 851 Kennedy Blvd. (at 33rd St.) in Bayonne. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:45AM on Thursday, April 30th at St. Henry's Church, 82 W. 29th St. in Bayonne, with all welcome to gather at the funeral home starting at 9:30AM. Mausoleum entombment will follow at Hollywood Memorial Park in Union, NJ. In lieu of any flowers the family requests that donations be made in Paul's memory to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, which can be done directly on this page by clicking the link below.