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Gaetano Federici (1880–1964) was Paterson, New Jersey’s best-known sculptor and is often called the city’s “Sculptor Laureate.” Born in Castelgrande, Italy, he immigrated to Paterson with his mother in 1887 to join his father, master mason Antonio Federici. After studying under prominent sculptors in New York, including Giuseppe Moretti, he returned to Paterson and spent nearly six decades creating monuments, religious sculpture, cemetery memorials, and civic artwork. 

Major Public Sculptures by Gaetano Federici

Sculpture Date Location
America (World War I Memorial) 1920 West Side Park, Paterson
Dean William McNulty and Orphan Boy 1923 St. John’s Cathedral, Paterson
Congressman James Fleming Stewart 1905 Passaic County Courthouse, Paterson
Senator William Hughes 1927 Passaic County Courthouse, Paterson
Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski 1929 Eastside Park, Paterson
Two Doughboys (Paterson World War I Memorial) Dedicated 1930 Paterson City Hall area
Dublin Spring (“The Water Boy”) 1931 Paterson (originally Dublin Spring)
Christopher Columbus Monument 1953 Originally Eastside Park; now Federici Park, Paterson
Bishop Thomas H. McLaughlin 1957 St. John’s Cathedral, Paterson
Andrew McBride Monument c. 1920s Paterson
Nathan Barnert Bust/Monument Early 20th century Paterson
Eleanor Egg (“Iron Girl”) 20th century Paterson
St. Michael Overpowering Lucifer Early 20th century St. Michael’s Church, Paterson

 

Cemetery Monuments

Federici was one of New Jersey’s finest memorial sculptors. Among his best-known works are:

  • The Pilgrim (Brandes family plot), Cedar Lawn Cemetery
  • Angel at the Federici family gravesite, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery
  • Baeurle Family Memorial, Immaculate Conception Cemetery
  • Dozens of portrait memorials and mausoleum sculptures throughout New Jersey.

Portrait Busts

Federici created many portrait busts, including:

  • Benjamin Franklin
  • Christopher Columbus
  • Lou Costello
  • Nathan Barnert
  • Andrew McBride
  • James Fleming Stewart
  • William Hughes
  • Bishop Thomas McLaughlin
  • Numerous local civic leaders and clergy.

Architectural Sculpture

He also designed:

  • Building pediments
  • Bronze plaques
  • Civic seals
  • Lunette carvings
  • Decorative relief panels
  • Bank façades
  • Church entrances
  • School and municipal building ornamentation

Many of these survive on historic buildings throughout Paterson.

Federici maintained his studio on Market Street in Paterson, where he created hundreds of plaster models, bronzes, and stone carvings. Following his death in 1964, much of his studio collection was preserved rather than dispersed. Today, over 500 objects from his studio—including original models, tools, photographs, and molds—are preserved for public viewing. 

His legacy can be explored at:

  • The Federici Studio Collection at Passaic County Community College’s Hamilton Club Building.

  • The Gaetano Federici Exhibit at Lambert Castle, operated by the Passaic County Historical Society.

  • A self-guided walking tour of his public sculptures throughout Paterson. 

Because so many of his works remain in place, Gaetano Federici’s sculptures continue to define the appearance and historical character of Paterson more than those of any other single artist.