Anthony “Tony” D’Onofrio

Anthony “Tony” D’Onofrio, age 80, of Pompton Lakes, passed Monday, April 11, 2022.

He was born in Paterson to Cesare (Charlie) and Carmella (Padula) D’Onofrio.  When Tony was about eight years old the family moved to Wayne where he was raised and graduated from Wayne Valley High School with the Class of 1960.  While in high school he played the tuba for the Marching Band.

Just out of high school Tony’s worked in retail and was employed by Two Guys from Harrison at the Totowa location. Tony worked in the Linen Department and eventually was promoted to Assistant Manager.  Tony worked there for a few years.

On March 15, 1961 Tony was “Ordered to Active Duty” with the US Navy.  For his service Tony was given the Good Conduct Medal for his service and attained the rank of Boatswain’s Mate before being Honorably Discharged on February 25, 1963.

When he came out of the military he found work with the Wayne Township Parks Department and transitioned to the Wayne Police Department where he served for twenty-five years before retiring in 1991 at the rank of Sargent.  During his retirement years he worked as a pall bearer for area funeral homes and as a Security Guard at the Passaic County Technical Institute in Wayne for a few years.

Tony will be remembered as a colorful, animated guy who was passionate about his beliefs and always ready to share his opinion with others. In his younger years he was a avid skier, loved tennis and more recently he enjoyed golfing at The County (Preakness Valley Golf Course) and Twin Willows golf courses. Tony was always willing to help others, loved cars and motorcycles (Tony’s Slingshot).

He was the loved brother of Anna Marie Basciano of Wayne, the late Albert C. D’Onofrio (d. 2011) and his surviving wife Nancy, and the late Michael D’Onofrio (d. 2021) and his surviving wife Christine. He will be missed by his nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and friends.

Those wishing to make a memorial donation in his memory are asked to consider donating to the Wayne PBA Local 136 and their efforts with the NJ Special Olympics. Make donations payable to: “Wayne PBA 136” and in the memo of your check please put “In Memory of Tony D’Onofrio-NJ Special Olympics.” Mail to: Wayne PBA 136, PO Box 3597, Wayne, NJ 07470.