Anthony C. Giaccio

Anthony C. Giaccio, a devoted husband, father of three, grandfather of six, great-grandfather of two, accomplished businessman, community leader, and a passionate master sailor, passed away peacefully on November 3, 2025, at the age of 87.

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Born in Jersey City, New Jersey on January 26, 1938, Anthony spent most of his early life in the Lafayette section of the city. His life was defined by industriousness, generosity, a spirit of adventure, and an unwavering commitment to faith and family. He attended Saint Peter’s Grammar School and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1956. His entrepreneurial spirit emerged at the early age of nine when he began selling used toys and worked at local church bingo nights, selling sodas to attendees. He also served as an altar boy for three years.

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In high school, Anthony was widely recognized as the best dancer in his class and took initiative to organize and host Friday night dances at the local YMCA. His strong work ethic continued into college, where he balanced his studies with a role at Worthington Corporation in the machinery industry. He earned his degree from Saint Peters University over four and a half years while gaining valuable professional experience. 

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Anthony spent initially over two decades in leadership roles within the machinery business before transitioning to his true professional passion, financial advising. In his late 40’s, he joined Merrill Lynch, where he built a distinguished 32-year career as a full-time financial advisor, earning the trust and admiration of clients and colleagues alike.

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Anthony’s life was forever changed when he met Margaret “Peggy” Giaccio in high school at one of the dances he arranged. They married on August 28, 1960, beginning a loving partnership that spanned 65 years. Together, they raised three children, Cheryl, Arlene, and Anthony, having eventually settled in Wayne, New Jersey, in the mid-1960s. Cheryl married John Goggin, Arlene married Andy Schaeffer, and Anthony married Laura Draudt resulting in the growth of the family even further. Over the years, he was blessed further with the birth of his grandchildren Daniel, Christopher, Jenna, David, Jack, and Ava then subsequent birth of his great grandchildren Ainsley and Kallie.

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Shortly after settling in Wayne, Anthony discovered the one thing, other than his family, that he was most passionate about….sailing!  Over the next 42 years, Anthony and his family enjoyed sailing primarily on Long Island Sound having had many adventures throughout the entire area.  These adventures eventually led to settling in East Hampton NY where he lived out his sailing days as a profound expert seaman of the Gardiners Bay area up to the age of 80.

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Anthony’s faith remained central throughout his life. He was an active member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Wayne, NJ, where he supported church initiatives, assisted with construction programs, and offered financial guidance. He was also a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus and the Fidelians of America, contributing to charitable efforts that benefited countless families.

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Anthony will be remembered for his love for his family, his love for the sea and sailing, leadership, business acumen, a trusted confidant and counsel, dependability, and his unwavering dedication to those around him. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the family he cherished.  He will be sorely miss but absolutely never forgotten!

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In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org. 

Thank you, and God bless.