Ignazio "Sal" Megna

Dr. Ignazio S. Megna, PhD, passed away peacefully on September 3, 2026, in Exton, Pennsylvania, at the age of 96. He was born on December 16, 1929, in the Bronx, New York, to Giuseppe and Gaetana Megna.

Ignazio, who went by Sal, was a man of extraordinary intellect, curiosity, and devotion to learning. He attended Fordham College, where he majored in Chemistry, and went on to earn his PhD in Organic Chemistry from New York University. He also proudly served in the United States Army.

Sal built a distinguished career as a research chemist where his work led to multiple patents. His scientific work reflected the creativity, discipline, and persistence that defined him throughout his life. But to know Sal was to know that his curiosity extended far beyond the laboratory. He was devoted to learning and discovery in all aspects of life. Every conversation with him seemed to contain a kernel of new information—some fascinating fact, historical detail, scientific insight, or bit of knowledge that you had never heard before, yet Sal somehow remembered. His mind was constantly gathering, connecting, and sharing. He had an extraordinary memory and an even greater enthusiasm for passing along what he knew.

In 1962, Sal married the love of his life, Ivette Perez. Together they built a loving family and raised their three children in Clinton, New Jersey. His family was the center of his life, and he took great pride in his children and seven grandchildren. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose presence brought wisdom, humor and kindness.

In the early 1970s, Sal discovered another passion that would become an important part of his life: soccer. He became an enthusiastic fan of the New York Cosmos and embraced the sport with the same energy and curiosity that he brought to everything else. His passion went beyond watching the game. He helped establish what would become the North Hunterdon Soccer Club and coached several teams, sharing his love of soccer with generations of young players. He traveled to watch his beloved Italian national team play in multiple World Cups and ensured that all of his grandchildren experienced the World Cup this summer.

Sal lived a life characterized by curiosity, accomplishment, family, and service to his community. He was a scientist who loved discovery, a teacher who loved sharing knowledge, a coach who loved helping young people, and a husband and father who cherished his family.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Ivette; his three children Diana (Brian) Urbanski, Joseph (Chieh Chieh) Megna, Anne Marie (Steve) Simmes; his grandchildren; Tanina Marie (Nico) Suriel, Joseph Anthony, Siena Michele, Bella Megna, Stephen Joseph, Andrew Megna, Christina Marie, his sister Marianne, a number of nieces and nephews and a wide circle of family and friends. His legacy also lives in the knowledge he shared, the young people he encouraged, the game he loved, and, most of all, in the family he devoted his life to.

Sal will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at the Immaculate Conception Church at 316 Old Allerton Rd, Annandale, NJ for friends and family. A Celebration of Life will follow at Alfonso’s Trattoria at 99-101 W. Main Street, Somerville, NJ.