Gregory J. Birardi

Gregory J. Birardi of Flemington, NJ, unexpectedly passed away on Friday, February 10th at the age of 58. He was born in Perth Amboy and moved to Flemington in 1969. His parents owned Mario’s Sub Shop in South Amboy until 1980 and owned the Stewart’s Root Beer Drive-In in Ringoes, NJ from 1969 until the family sold it in 2009.

Greg fell in love with Hunterdon County and its community working behind the counter at Stewart’s; entertaining customers and making them laugh. He was a big dreamer and loved to share his stories. He attended Hunterdon Central Regional High School where he coined the nickname Conehead. His favorite pastimes were fishing, trapping, billiards, and helping his brother Mario with his race car. He spent much of his adult life reminiscing about the Flemington Speedway and telling stories about his teenage years.

Greg had a great interest in sports, music, comic books, and vintage collectibles. He was a lifelong baseball fan who started buying and selling cards when he was just a kid–always rooting for the Mets. His strong minded personality grew into entrepreneurial ventures as he opened sports memorabilia shops in Flemington, Hillsborough, Green Brook and Levittown. He loved to put on card shows and host athletes, his favorite being Keith Hernandez.

Greg loved spending time with his kids, cooking big family meals and taking everyone out. As his children were growing up, he opened a farm stand in Three Bridges, and then Vintage Video in Branchburg. His last business was the Three Bridges Deli, where the historical tavern was. He spent many years with his children selling at Rice’s Market, Columbus Market, Golden Nugget, and Englishtown Auction. He was known as “Indiana Jones” for his cowboy hat that he never left home without. Being a natural chatterbox he was always a phone call away to talk about anything and reminisce.

Greg was predeceased by his parents, Mario and Ann Veronica Birardi, and his older brother, Mario M. Birardi. He is survived by his sister Christina Birardi Moore, her husband Donald of Warminster, PA, his brother, Anthony Birardi, his wife Susie of Lambertville NJ., sister-in-law, Kathy Walsh Birardi of Bensalem, PA. Greg will be greatly missed by his children; Vanessa, 34, Vincent, 33, Victor, 30, Veronica, 27, and Valerie, 26, their mother Maria Fatima Birardi, along with many extended family members and friends.

Family and friends are invited to call on Saturday, February 18, 2023 between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm, at Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home located on 147 Main Street in Flemington, NJ. There will be a Eulogy service at the conclusion of the calling hours at the funeral home.

For further information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.holcombefisher.com.