Anthony “Tony” J. Najjar

Anthony (Tony) Najjar, age 87, of Wayne, passed away peacefully on Friday January 16, 2026 surrounded by his family.

Born and raised in Rhode Island, Tony was the fourth of five children. Tony graduated from high school at the age of 16 and went on to receive a degree in accounting and finance from Bryant College. Before pursuing his career in the food industry, he served in the army reserves and received an honorable discharge.

Tony met the love of his life Fran in 1963 when out on a double date with another girl. He realized she was the one for him on that date and asked her out. In August 1965, the couple exchanged vows at St. Basil’s Melkite Catholic Church in Rhode Island. They lived in Massachusetts before settling in Wayne, New Jersey in 1972 where they continue to reside.

Tony always had a passion for food and a natural affinity for people and business. His inclination for a career in food started during his college years where he worked for a local supermarket chain and learned hands-on from his brother-in-law, who owned a fruit stand. After graduating college, he quickly progressed through a variety of roles, before accepting an executive position with a food distribution company in New Jersey, where he would ultimately become President.

As an accomplished executive in the retail food industry, Tony was widely respected for his integrity and leadership. Known as an honest businessman, he prided himself not only on his own success, but on mentoring and supporting others in achieving their professional goals. His career took him up and down the East Coast, where he helped shape and improve food retail chains. Many of his ideas changed the way people shopped for food, especially in the New York metropolitan area.

His work and service were recognized with numerous honors, including serving as the chair of the Boy Scouts of America Scouting for Food Program (Manhattan Chapter) and being awarded Man of the Year from the Catholic Institute of the Food Industry, reflecting both his professional excellence and deep commitment to community service.

Tony enjoyed listening to the crooners, especially the Rat Pack, and dancing with Fran. He got to see his New York Yankees win the world series multiple times - and loved watching the games with his son and grandson (though not so much enjoyment last year). He loved cooking Italian food, especially making his special bolognese sauce for his granddaughters - and spoiling them with their favorite chocolates. Tony was the beloved husband of Fran Najjar, with whom he shared 60 wonderful years of marriage. He was the loving father of Tracey Paylo and her husband Dennis of Wayne, Tobey Hill and her husband Tom of London, England, and Anthony (Tony) Najjar of Wayne. He was the proud and cherished grandfather of Tommy, Alexandra and Kiana Hill and Victoria Paylo.

He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Widad Najjar; his sisters Mary Mardo, Margaret Ajami,and Josephne Byrnes and his twin brother Louis Najjar.

He will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, respected leader, and a man who made a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

As Tony always said to Fran, you can’t eat flowers (so he gave her chocolate). In lieu of flowers, those wishing to express sympathy in Tony’s memory are kindly asked to consider a donation the St Ann’s Melkite catholic church, Lupus Foundation Alliance, or Tunnels to Towers Foundation.