Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Calls outside of office hours? No worries! Our team will respond within 10–15 minutes.
March 8, 2013
Services
Friends may visit with the family at the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne, on Monday, March 11, 2013 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM.
A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, March 12, 2013, beginning at 11 AM.
Anthony J. Mongiello “Tony” age 95, died peacefully at his residence in Pompton Plains on Friday, March 8, 2013.
Tony was born in Jersey City on May 6, 1917, the third child of six born to Cosmo and Genevieve Mongiello. He was the first to be born in the United States right after his parents and two older sisters emigrated in pursuit of the American dream! His family experienced a great setback when, at the tender age of six, Tony’s mother died. As a young lad Tony helped his father in his coal and ice delivery business. Between school and helping his father, Tony enjoyed playing baseball and football. While attending high school in Jersey City, his father’s leg broke and Tony had to quit school so that he could help keep Dad’s business going.
In March of 1941 Tony was drafted into the United States Army where he proudly served until being honorably discharged in August of 1945. During his service he was decorated with the American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Philippines Liberation Ribbon with a Bronze Star.
Upon return from the Army, Tony met the love of his life, Rita Maresca. They were married on September 22, 1946 at St. Aedan’s Roman Catholic Church in Jersey City. After honeymooning in Niagara Falls, Canada, Tony and Rita settled in Jersey City. He worked briefly for a leather coat manufacturer but soon took a job with the Continental Can Company and he traveled to work every day from Jersey City to Paterson. Over a span of thirty years, from 1949 to 1979, his work provided him with the ability to provide for his wife and three children. He faithfully served as a store room clerk until retiring at the age of 62. During his career, Tony enjoyed participating in the company’s bowling league. He was a real asset to the team carrying an average of 185 and he could even boast about one 700 series! His highest score ever was a 279 and he also served for many years as the league’s secretary, treasurer and banquet coordinator.
Following retirement Tony’s life could almost be summed up with one word – GOLF! He played usually three to four times per week, usually at the Sunset Golf Course in Pompton Plains or, when visiting his daughter Judy, at the course near her home in Hillsboro. In his spare time from golf, Tony was very active in the Knights of Columbus serving as Sergeant at Arms and cook. He also loved to just spend time with his buddies out for coffee or maybe a couple of Heineken’s while catching a baseball or football game on TV.
Early on in his marriage to his dear wife Rita, she became sick, leaving most of the responsibility of caring for their three children and the duties in the home to Tony. While their oldest son Gus was off to college and their second son Robert was in high school, their youngest child, Judith was just two when Mom became too sick to handle the household duties. Tony took over, helping with homework and cooking the meals. Since he loved steak, the kids were served it almost every night with pasta. In later years, Tony spent time living with each one of his kids. He even spent some time living with Robert down in Tennessee. While there he had a plate on the front of his car that simply said “Toe-Knee”. Living with his children gave opportunity for wonderful memories with his eleven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Tony lived life to the fullest. A true conservative, he believed in working hard and playing hard. He drove his car until the age of 94, only giving it up because it needed new brakes.
Surviving are his two sons: Gus Mongiello and wife Carol of Pompton Plains and Robert Mongiello, DC of Chattanooga TN; his one daughter Judith Fortunato and husband Chris of Hillsboro; eleven grandchildren: Kenny, Nicole, Chris, Kevin, Matthew, Kristen, Gina, Marissa, Michael, Hope and Sarah; and two great-grandchildren: Ryan and Brooke Hayzler.
Tony was predeceased by his beloved wife Rita in 2005 and his one brother and four sisters.
If you would like to send a private condolence directly to the family use this condolence section.
Friends may visit with the family at the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne, on Monday, March 11, 2013 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM.
A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, March 12, 2013, beginning at 11 AM.
March 8, 2013
Services
Friends may visit with the family at the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne, on Monday, March 11, 2013 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM.
A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, March 12, 2013, beginning at 11 AM.
Anthony J. Mongiello “Tony” age 95, died peacefully at his residence in Pompton Plains on Friday, March 8, 2013.
Tony was born in Jersey City on May 6, 1917, the third child of six born to Cosmo and Genevieve Mongiello. He was the first to be born in the United States right after his parents and two older sisters emigrated in pursuit of the American dream! His family experienced a great setback when, at the tender age of six, Tony’s mother died. As a young lad Tony helped his father in his coal and ice delivery business. Between school and helping his father, Tony enjoyed playing baseball and football. While attending high school in Jersey City, his father’s leg broke and Tony had to quit school so that he could help keep Dad’s business going.
In March of 1941 Tony was drafted into the United States Army where he proudly served until being honorably discharged in August of 1945. During his service he was decorated with the American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Philippines Liberation Ribbon with a Bronze Star.
Upon return from the Army, Tony met the love of his life, Rita Maresca. They were married on September 22, 1946 at St. Aedan’s Roman Catholic Church in Jersey City. After honeymooning in Niagara Falls, Canada, Tony and Rita settled in Jersey City. He worked briefly for a leather coat manufacturer but soon took a job with the Continental Can Company and he traveled to work every day from Jersey City to Paterson. Over a span of thirty years, from 1949 to 1979, his work provided him with the ability to provide for his wife and three children. He faithfully served as a store room clerk until retiring at the age of 62. During his career, Tony enjoyed participating in the company’s bowling league. He was a real asset to the team carrying an average of 185 and he could even boast about one 700 series! His highest score ever was a 279 and he also served for many years as the league’s secretary, treasurer and banquet coordinator.
Following retirement Tony’s life could almost be summed up with one word – GOLF! He played usually three to four times per week, usually at the Sunset Golf Course in Pompton Plains or, when visiting his daughter Judy, at the course near her home in Hillsboro. In his spare time from golf, Tony was very active in the Knights of Columbus serving as Sergeant at Arms and cook. He also loved to just spend time with his buddies out for coffee or maybe a couple of Heineken’s while catching a baseball or football game on TV.
Early on in his marriage to his dear wife Rita, she became sick, leaving most of the responsibility of caring for their three children and the duties in the home to Tony. While their oldest son Gus was off to college and their second son Robert was in high school, their youngest child, Judith was just two when Mom became too sick to handle the household duties. Tony took over, helping with homework and cooking the meals. Since he loved steak, the kids were served it almost every night with pasta. In later years, Tony spent time living with each one of his kids. He even spent some time living with Robert down in Tennessee. While there he had a plate on the front of his car that simply said “Toe-Knee”. Living with his children gave opportunity for wonderful memories with his eleven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Tony lived life to the fullest. A true conservative, he believed in working hard and playing hard. He drove his car until the age of 94, only giving it up because it needed new brakes.
Surviving are his two sons: Gus Mongiello and wife Carol of Pompton Plains and Robert Mongiello, DC of Chattanooga TN; his one daughter Judith Fortunato and husband Chris of Hillsboro; eleven grandchildren: Kenny, Nicole, Chris, Kevin, Matthew, Kristen, Gina, Marissa, Michael, Hope and Sarah; and two great-grandchildren: Ryan and Brooke Hayzler.
Tony was predeceased by his beloved wife Rita in 2005 and his one brother and four sisters.
Guestbook