Obituary of Carmine A. Rullis, Jr.
Carmine Anthony Rullis Jr. (“Junior”)
January 25, 1939 – March 22, 2026
Carmine Anthony Rullis Jr., lovingly known to all as “Junior” and “Pop,” passed away peacefully on March 22, 2026 at the age of 87, surrounded by his devoted family after a two-year courageous fight with dementia. Born on January 25, 1939, in Newark, New Jersey, Carmine was raised in the city he proudly called home throughout his early years.
At just 16 years old, Carmine met the love of his life, Anna Marie Rullis (née Yannuzzi), whom he affectionately called “Pumpkin.” Their love story began in 1955, and they later eloped in 1961, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in deep love, loyalty, and family.
Carmine was a hardworking and driven man from a young age. At 18, he began working as an operator for Bloomfield Glass. In 1962, with determination and vision, he opened his own business, Car Glass Company, on Ridge Street in Newark. His entrepreneurial spirit continued throughout his life, including his role as a business partner in Powerhouse Gym in Bloomfield in the early 2000s.
In 1973, Carmine and Anna Marie moved from Newark to East Hanover, where they built a loving home and raised their family. After retiring, they fulfilled a lifelong dream in 2006 by building their dream home in Bayville, New Jersey. In 2017, they relocated to South Plainfield to be closer to their cherished family.
Carmine dedicated his life to his family, his work, and his passion for fitness. A true enthusiast of strength and conditioning, he was always designing and creating innovative workout machines to ensure proper form and performance. For Carmine, no day was complete without a workout and his vitamins, a testament to his discipline and zest for life.
He is predeceased by his one and only true love, his wife, Anna Marie Rullis (2024); his beloved parents, Mary Rullis (née Jannacelli) and Carmine Rullis; and his brother-in-law, Anthony “Tony” Carriero.
Carmine is survived by his children, Michelle “Mo” Rullis of East Hanover, Matthew Rullis Sr. and his wife, Liz, of South Plainfield; his cherished grandchildren, Jocelyn, Joella, and Matthew Jr.; his brothers, Michael Rullis (Linda) and Antonio Rullis (Dante); his sister-in-law, Vincenza Carriero; and a large extended family of cousins, nieces, and nephews who will forever hold him in their hearts.
Carmine will be remembered for his strength, work ethic, creativity, and, above all, his unwavering love for his family. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the family he built. He is now reunited with the love of his life.
Cremation services are being held privately under the direction of the McCriskin–Gustafson Home for Funerals, 2425 Plainfield Ave., South Plainfield, NJ 07080.
Carmine’s cremated remains will be placed to rest on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 11:30am in the family niche at St. Gertrude’s Cemetery, Colonia.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in honor of Carmine to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org