Ercole Chila, Beloved Paulsboro Native and Barbecue Enthusiast, Dies in Tragic Car Accident
It is with deep sorrow that the community of Paulsboro, New Jersey, mourns the sudden and untimely passing of Ercole Chila, a beloved hometown native, Barbecue Championship participant, and friend to many. Ercole lost his life in a car accident on July 17, 2025, leaving behind a profound sense of loss for all who knew him.
🔥 A Passion for Barbecue—and Community
Ercole’s love for barbecue was more than just a hobby—it was a calling. Known affectionately as part of “Uncle Pigs Barbecue,” his devotion to slow-cooked ribs, smoky flavors, and outdoor gatherings was truly legendary. Whether staging a competition at the New Jersey State Barbecue Championship or grilling in his own backyard, Ercole fostered connections rooted in food, laughter, and shared moments. His passion wasn’t just about cooking—it was about bringing people together and celebrating community through delicious, heartfelt hospitality
🌆 Paulsboro Pride
A graduate of Paulsboro High School, Ercole embodied hometown pride throughout his life. He remained deeply connected to his roots—ever-present in local fundraisers, neighborhood events, and school reunion picnics. To those who knew him, Ercole was “kind to the core, endlessly generous, and brimming with warmth” . His welcoming smile and generous nature made him a fixture in Paulsboro gatherings.
đź’” The Day the Community Wept
On that fateful day in mid-July, Ercole was partaking in a pleasurable drive before the unthinkable happened—a car crash that snatched him away from friends, family, and fans of his cooking. The circumstances of the crash remain under review, and a profound silence now blankets a gathering that once buzzed with his laughter and grilling prowess.
🕯️ Remembering a Gentle Spirit
Friends and neighbors recall acts of kindness—from driving someone to work without being asked, to showing up with barbecue for those in need.
“He didn’t need a reason to help. He just saw you needed something—and he was already there,” one local shared of Ercole’s innate generosity .
His legacy isn’t marked by fame or accolades—it’s measured by the number of friendships sparked over a shared plate, the lives he touched with his generosity, and the warmth of his embrace at community events.
🌱 A Community United
As news spread, friends and family have begun sharing photos, recipes, and stories of evenings spent around his grill. His impact has been felt far beyond Paulsboro—strangers across New Jersey have reached out, offering condolences and recounting how his barbecue tips or competition spirit made them feel part of something bigger.
Plans for a celebration of life are forthcoming, honoring Ercole’s love of open-air gatherings and shared meals. Most likely, hundreds will come together—friends, competitors, neighbors, and families—to grill, reminisce, and ignite coals in his memory.
đź’ˇ How to Honor Ercole
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Host your own backyard barbecue, inviting neighbors old and new—just as Ercole would’ve done.
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Share a favorite recipe or photo from a past event or competition featuring Ercole.
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Support local causes in his name—donate to Paulsboro school programs or community events where he made a difference.
Ercole Chila lived with an open heart—sharing joy through smoke, flavor, and fellowship. His sudden departure leaves a void in Paulsboro—but also a legacy of warmth, kindness, and community spirit that will smolder in memory, much like the embers of his beloved barbecue pits.
Rest in peace, Ercole. Your flame still lights up our hearts.