Antoinette M. Violante

Antoinette Marie Violante (nee Pompeii), age 93 of Wayne, died peacefully on Wednesday, December 25, 2024.

Toni, as she was affectionately known by many, grew up in Binghamton, New York, the ninth of eleven children born to Nicholas and Henrietta Pompeii. Her parents had emigrated from Italy, and Toni recalled stories of her father keeping an amazing garden and making his own wine, while her mother cooked and canned much of their garden’s harvest herself. Throughout the years, she cherished her relationships with her five brothers and five sisters and remained close with them. Toni was raised in the Catholic faith and carried that with her throughout her life, always trusting in God.

Antoinette was among the sweetest and kindest people you may have ever met. She was a selfless soul who found joy in making sure everyone around her was happy. She was a gracious hostess, a comforting and gentle friend, and a loving and affectionate mother and grandmother. She made sure to celebrate everyone’s birthday, make their favorite food, and made everyone feel special. She personified “love” in everything she did, and her disposition was something to admire. It’s no surprise that Toni loved sweets such as cannolis and ice cream, which may have contributed to her being so sweet herself.

Toni met her husband, Peter, in the summer of 1951. Peter was in the Army with Toni’s brother, Ralph, and Ralph brought Peter home with him to Binghamton on one occasion. The moment Peter laid eyes on Toni, he fell head over heels in love, and it was love at first sight for both of them. With her parent’s blessing, the two were married just three months later. They exchanged vows at St. Mary’s RC Church in Binghamton on November 22, 1951, and moved to New Jersey shortly thereafter. They built a home in Englewood Cliffs and lived there for thirty-five years, raising a family and enjoying their time together. Peter and Toni ran their own milk delivery business, with Toni responsible for the books. Sadly, in 1986, just five months after retiring, Peter passed away suddenly. Toni was heartbroken and moved to Wayne to be closer to her children. Family was a very natural priority for Toni, and she adored and spoiled her grandchildren.

While living in Wayne, Toni worked as the receptionist for various doctors in the area.  Her warm nature and upbeat personality made her a favorite amongst patients and doctors.  She was an active member of the Catholic community.  She attended mass daily and volunteered in various capacities at Our Lady of the Valley RC Church. She also volunteered as a Eucharistic minister at Preakness Healthcare Center and made practicing her faith part of her daily routine.  

Antoinette is survived by her three children; Paul Violante of Maryland, Linda Bleznick (Howard) of Wayne, and Peter Violante of Pennsylvania, nine grandchildren:  Paul Violante II (Stephanie), Bianca Anderson (Tyler), Stacie Principe (Nicholas), Brenton Violante, Amy Violante, Peter Violante, Emily Violante, Tod Street (Salina) and Camaron Street, six great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband Peter in 1986, her daughter-in-law Karen in 2020, and her grandson Adam Bleznick (Emmie) in June 2024.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Alzheimer's of New Jersey would be greatly appreciated.