Obituary of Oswaldo R. Fierro

Oswaldo R. Fierro, 96 of Newark passed away on June 22, 2024 at home.

Visitation will be held at Preston Funeral Home 153 South Orange Ave, South Orange, NJ  on Wednesday, June 26th  from 2-4 & 6-8PM . The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph's Church, 110 Telford Street, East Orange on Thursday at 10:00 AM. Interment to follow at  Gate Of Heaven Cemetery in E. Hanover.

Oswaldo was born in Chambo, Ecuador and has lived in Newark since 1970. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Quito, Ecuador and his Master's in Sociology and Theology from Boston College, MA, USA. Oswaldo was the Founder and Executive Director (1973-2002) of C.U.R.A. Inc. a rehabilitation facility in Newark, NJ. In 1976, he helped found the organization Therapeutic Communities of America (TCA) with other national Rehabilitation Program Directors. He was part of the Latin American Task Force, that coordinated services and information to several Latin American countries, including his beloved Ecuador. Oswaldo was also a member of the Executive Committee of the World Federation of the Therapeutic Communities (WFTC) and participated in various world conferences. In 1999, he helped found the Maria L. Varisco-Rogers Charter School, presently serving Kindergarten to 8^th Grade, which gives Newark children another option for a great education. He also was an active participant in the creation of the Essex County Hispanic Director Association which united Newark's five Latino Community Based Organizations to get to the primary goal of helping to better the city together. And all this while running CURA, Inc successfully until he retired to enjoy life with his family. 

Oswaldo is survived by his wife Nela Fierro and daughter Maria Nela Fierro and his siblings: Guillermo, Hugo, Ines, Carlos and Paco Fierro. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Oswaldo loved soccer and will always be remembered for watching every game possible, especially if Ecuador, NY Red Bulls or Manchester United played. He also loved traveling, taking pictures, and being surrounded by friends and family. 

In lieu of flowers, donations to American Cancer Society would be appreciated. For more information or to send condolences please visit prestonfuneralhome.net