Richard Zullo

Richard C. Zullo, of Belle Mead, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, in New York City at the age of 71, surrounded by his loving family.

After a courageous 18-month battle with cancer and a period of hopeful remission following a stem cell transplant, Rick ultimately succumbed to complications related to his treatment. True to form, he fought to the very end with grit, humor, and love.

Rick was born in Perth Amboy, NJ, on February 21, 1954, to parents Dr. Robert Zullo and Helene Zullo. He was a proud graduate of The Lawrenceville School. Rick flourished as a prep school student, receiving a House Master’s Prize, an award honoring the student who most exemplified school spirit. Above all, the most meaningful milestone of his high school experience was meeting the love of his life, Laura. He would leave New Jersey following high school to attend college in Florida at the University of Miami, where he majored in communications. 

Rick and Laura would marry on June 18, 1977. Together, they made their home in Belle Mead, NJ, where they raised three children over a marriage that spanned 48 years. Rick was a devoted father and grandfather who took immense pride in the life they created and in the family that blossomed.

Professionally, Rick founded Zullo Associates in 1983. Over 42 years of business, he built an award-winning agency that served both national and local clients. Rick was a trusted creative partner known for his bold and memorable campaigns.

Rick loved his football. He rarely missed a game of his three favorite teams: Rutgers, Miami, and the New York Giants. Football games were sacred times, complete with tailgate feasts and spirited commentary. More than anything, Rick loved spending time with family and friends. He always found a way to make even the smallest gathering something special. Rick had a gift for turning moments into traditions: the fiercely competitive ZuBowl at Thanksgiving, OZ Olympics at the Jersey Shore, the annual 4th of July family reunion, the Feast of Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve, and yearly trips with the family to Hilton Head Island.

Rick was predeceased by his beloved parents, Dr. Robert J. Zullo and Helene Chapman Zullo. Surviving is his wife Laura Hodgkins Zullo; his three children and their spouses; Matthew R. Zullo and Dr. Shannon Zullo of San Francisco, CA; Richard J. Zullo and Lauren H. Zullo of Brooklyn, NY; and Kaitlyn Z. Weiss and Robert Weiss of East Windsor, NJ; his grandchildren Sutton Zullo, Hayes Zullo, and Colton Weiss; his siblings; Elena Powers of Winchester, MA; Robert J. Zullo of Grasonville, MD; and James M. Zullo and Tanja Zullo of Piscataway, NJ; six nephews, one niece, and eight grand nieces and nephews.

Visitation will take place on Friday, July 18th, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at The Crabiel Home for Funerals, 170 N Main St.- at Riva Avenue, Milltown. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, July 19th, 10:00 am at St. Bartholomew RC Church, 470 Ryders Lane, East Brunswick. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Burial Park in East Brunswick, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that you consider donating blood in Rick’s memory. Throughout his 18-month battle with leukemia, generous blood donors from around the world played an instrumental role in his care and gave him precious more time with his loved ones. Blood, plasma, or platelets can be donated through the Red Cross or a local blood bank. An online condolence “guestbook” is available at www.crabiel.com.