Deacon Neil Pirozzi, recently retired associate director of construction and real estate for the Diocese, died Dec. 20 in his home in Hamilton Square. He was 87.

Funeral services will be held in St. Gregory the Great Church, 4620 Nottingham Way, Hamilton Square, beginning with visitation from 3 to 7 p.m. Dec. 26. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Dec. 27.

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Deacon Pirozzi graduated from Seton Hall University, South Orange, and earned a master’s degree from Iona College, New Rochelle, N.Y.

After serving in the Korean War, Deacon Pirozzi relocated to New Jersey, where he worked as a developer in residential and commercial real estate.

He was ordained a deacon for the Diocese in 1981 by Bishop John C. Reiss. He and his wife, Thomasina (Tommi), were active in Marriage Encounter, and he also served as a pastoral counselor, providing comfort and care to those in crisis.

Deacon Pirozzi was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Florence (Capalongo) Pirozzi, a sister and a brother. In addition to his wife, to whom he was married for 64 years, he is survived by his children and their spouses, Stephanie (Jeffrey) Schrader of Yardley, Pa.; Jack (Cindy) of Robbinsville; Scot (Lisa) of Lawrenceville, and Tony (Kelly) of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.; 10 grandchildren, and one great-grandson. He also had many nieces, nephews and golf buddies.

Burial will be in Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, North Hanover.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Gregory the Great Parish by visiting inmemof.org.