Agostino V. Rottino

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Agostino V. Rottino, age 84, of Wayne, NJ. He was known by all family and friends as Augie.

Augie was born and raised in Jersey City, NJ and was the only child of Anthony and Antoinette Rottino.

One of Augie’s first jobs as a young 5-year old boy was scooping Italian ice in his grandfather’s deli. Then at the age of 15 he started cutting hair at his father’s barber shop. Augie went to barber school and obtained a legal license to cut hair.

He attended St. Aloysius High School in Jersey City graduating with the class of 1959. Upon graduating Augie enrolled at St. Peter’s University located in Jersey City where he earned his Bachelor's Degree. Augie found work quickly after graduating from college and accepted a position as an economics teacher with Snyder High in Jersey City. Later, after establishing his career as a teacher, Augie earned his Master’s Degree in Education at Seton Hall University.

Augie was a dedicated teacher, known for his passion for helping others grow and succeed. After four years in the classroom, he felt a pull toward something new. Teaming up with a close friend who shared his entrepreneurial spirit, Augie co-founded the Commerce Employment Agency in Morristown, NJ. Their goal was to connect talented individuals with meaningful job opportunities. Augie and his partner owned and operated the business for more than ten years.

While the experience was rewarding and full of valuable lessons, Augie eventually felt a strong pull back to his roots. He returned to the field of education with a renewed sense of purpose. This time, he brought with him a wealth of real-world experience, which enriched his teaching and allowed him to connect with students more deeply. He accepted a position as the director of Project Coop in Newark, NJ. He also became the Business Administrator for the Board of Education in Lyndhurst and for Englewood Cliffs Board of Education. Later, Augie earned the positions of Superintendent and Business Administrator for the Leonia Board of Education. Augie would hold these positions until his retirement in 2005. The George Washington School in Leonia dedicated the Agostino V. Rottino Gymnatorium in 2005 to Augie’s legacy. Throughout his life and career, Augie owned and operated several businesses including The Breadbasket Deli and Hollar’s Restaurant in Clifton, NJ. In his retirement, he acted as a consultant to several boards of education in New Jersey including Little Ferry, Hasbrouck Heights, and Paterson. He was hired to oversee the building project of the George Washington School in Edgewater. Throughout his career, which spanned over fifty years, Augie was truly loved and well respected by his colleagues and his peers. Alongside his career, Augie was also on the Board of Directors at The Woods at Waterview Estates in Wayne, where he resided.

Augie and Mary Jane met in September of 1991 and formed a friendship that lasted forever. They moved in together in 2000, married, and lived happily in Wayne, NJ for 25 years. They had a loving and loyal marriage. Augie and Mary Jane enjoyed setting off on cruises to a variety of breathtaking destinations, each vacation bringing new adventures and cherished memories. Among all the places they visited, Aruba held a special place in their hearts.

Augie was a fan of the New York Yankees and the San Francisco 49ers. His greatest hobby was stamp collecting. He also had an obsession for following the New York Stock Exchange. Above all else, Augie’s greatest passion was for his family. Nothing in the world meant more to Augie than spending time with and providing for his family.

Augie will forever be remembered as a dedicated educator, a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was truly a special person who touched the lives of many people and will be sincerely missed by everyone that knew him.

Augie is survived by his wife Mary Jane (nee Gallagher) of Wayne, NJ, his son Anthony Rottino of Toms River, NJ, two daughters: Alicia Johnson and her husband James of Green Pond, NJ and Denise Donohue and her husband Michael of Myrtle Beach, SC, six grandchildren; Kelly Sherin and her husband Alex of Hoboken, NJ. Michael Rottino and his wife Stefanie of Toms River, NJ, Matthew Rottino of Newark, DE, Jacquelyn Johnson of Green Pond, NJ, Julia Johnson of Green Pond, NJ and Michael Donohue of Cary, NC. Augie was predeceased by his parents Anthony and Antoinette Rottino.

For those unable to attend in person, the funeral mass will also be livestreamed. To watch the livestream, please click on the link below.

https://ecatholic.live/I6y40566uVswWhCySGEuIssgRFMVtQHE/channels/1/event/1000/public/view?signature=22e6392aa86265376813592f37c3ee7c1ff5e53f53d9f9117142ed9db8ace767

In lieu of flowers, donations in Agostino’s name may be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center or The Wounded Warrior Project