Anthony Russomagno

Anthony Russomagno, age 85 of North Caldwell passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 22, 2021 while receiving the loving care of his family.

Anthony was born and raised in Jersey City and was one of four children to Dominic and Rosaria Russomagno. He attended Snyder High School in Jersey City and while a student there, he was a track and field star specializing in javelin and discus, was a gifted gymnast and loved to play tennis. Anthony was elected Vice President of the class of 1953. Following his graduation from high school, he found work quickly as a draftsman working for Westinghouse Electric. Prior to starting work and after his high school graduation, he played semi-pro baseball for a short time.

In 1955, Anthony felt it in his heart to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Army. While serving, he was stationed in Germany for about two years and received the rank of Specialist Third Class. He served honorably and proudly from 1955 until being honorably discharged in 1957.

Subsequent to his service in the US Army, Anthony enrolled at Newark State College now known as Kean University in Union, NJ and graduated in 1962 with a Bachelor Degree in Education. In 1965, he earned a Master of Arts degree from Montclair State College. As a newly certified teacher, he accepted a position at Ridgefield Park High School where he taught Industrial Arts and over time, became Supervisor for the Industrial Arts Department.  Anthony also became the Director of the Cooperative Education Program for Industrial Arts. His career at Ridgefield Park High School spanned thirty-five years until his retirement in 1995.

During Anthony’s time as a student teacher at North Arlington High School, he met an attractive young lady named Rosanne Montesano who was a fellow student teacher. He and Rosanne went out on a snowy night to a place called Malone’s. The two hit it off and that was the beginning of a beautiful love story. After a year dating, they became husband and wife on June 30, 1963.  Anthony and Rosanne settled in Nutley and it was there that they welcomed the births of their two children, Flora and Dominic. Anthony and his family remained in Nutley for thirty-two years until 1995 when they moved to North Caldwell where he designed and built their dream home. He and Rosanne remained in North Caldwell for the rest of their lives together.

Anthony was a member of NJEA and BCEA. He was truly dedicated to his teaching and had an outstanding work ethic. Anthony was not only dedicated to his career, he was also dedicated to his Catholic faith. For many years, he and his family were parishioners of Notre Dame RC Church, where he and his wife Rosanne were Eucharistic Ministers and served on RCIA and Pre-Cana. Anthony and his family were also parishioners of Holy Family RC Church in Nutley, as well as Saint William RC Church in Naples, FL, and recently had become parishioners of Immaculate Heart of Mary RC Church in Wayne.

Anthony and his family cherished their summers at the Jersey Shore on Chadwick Beach Island. Building was a passion of his and every few years, he would design and build a custom home for another family to enjoy. While vacationing on Barnegat Bay, Anthony treasured boating, sailing, and fishing and while spending winters in Naples, FL, he took every opportunity to go golfing.   He could fix just about anything and was always willing to lend a helping hand to his friends and neighbors, and always with a smile. Anthony was humble, kind and patient and a had a beautiful sense of humor. He was the kind of person you couldn’t help but like and want to be around.  He was looked up to as a mentor by many, never complained about anything or anyone, and was an outstanding dancer.  Over the years he was known to many as: “Mr. R”, Tony, Uncle Tony, and Dad, but his favorite title and the one he was most proud of was “Grandpa.” Aside from all of Anthony’s talents, hobbies and interests, his greatest passion was for his family. Nothing in the world meant more to him than providing for and spending time with his children and his only grandchild. He and Rosanne cherished an amazing fifty-seven years of loving and loyal marriage. Anthony was a very special person who touched the lives of countless people and will be sincerely missed by everyone that knew him.

Anthony is survived by his wife Rosanne (nee Montesano) of North Caldwell, his daughter Flora Vogt and her husband Todd of Wayne, his son Dominic Russomagno and his wife Patty of Wayne, his precious grandson Anthony Russomagno of Wayne, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his two brothers Vincent Russomagno and Barbato Russomagno, and his sister Marie Perfetto.  

Those wishing to make a donation in Tony’s name may do so to the charity of their choice.