Anthony Edward Pagano

Anthony Edward Pagano

Point Pleasant

Anthony Edward Pagano, of Point Pleasant, on Sunday, May 27, 2012, our beloved father, passed away peacefully in his sleep. He was born on September 1, 1917 in Newark. Anthony was the youngest child of Vincenzo and Rafaella (De Caro) Pagano of Avellino, Italy. As a child, Anthony lived in Irvington, where he was an active member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church. It is there that he met his wife, Viola (Kaczmarz), the love of his life. They were married on April 11, 1943, two months before he left for the Navy and his service in World War II. Being assigned to the USS Neville, he took part in 8 invasions in the Pacific Front before returning home to his wife. Our father worked in Westinghouse Electric in Newark for 40 years before retiring to the home he loved in Point Pleasant. His home was open to his children, grandchildren, family and friends. It is the place where endless family memories were made and which eventually became the gathering place for his great-grandchildren as well. After two years of retirement, Anthony embarked on a new career which led to his becoming a representative with Diane Turton Realtors in Bay Head. He loved working with his colleagues and met many wonderful people whom he spoke of very fondly throughout the years. As the head of our family, he modeled what is meant by unconditional love for each of us. The lessons we have learned from our mother and father, about faith in God, Family, Commitment and Love will be passed on through each of us.

Anthony is predeceased by his wife, Viola, who was his best friend and partner in life. He leaves behind to remember him, his children, Carole and Peter DeSarno of New Providence, Barbara and Michael Finn of Convent Station, and Patricia and Stephen Moor of Point Pleasant. His grandchildren gave him great joy and he often spoke about how proud he was of them. They are Kelli Finn and her husband Robert Young of Madison, Peter and Mary DeSarno of New Providence, Kimberly and Stephen Goodwyn of Shrewsbury, Tina and John Tomlinson of New Providence, Michael and Dana Finn of Convent Station, Christopher and Christina DeSarno of Springfield, Jaclyn Moor of Point Pleasant, and Matthew Moor, also of Point Pleasant. Being Great-Grandpa to 13 great-grandchildren was a gift which he treasured. To all who knew him, our father was a very special person who will be profoundly missed by family and friends.

Visiting hours are from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday, June 3 at Colonial Funeral Home, 2170 Highway 88, Brick. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered 9:30 a.m. Monday, June 4 at St. Peter's R.C. Church, Pt. Pleasant Beach. Entombment will follow at St. Catharine's Cemetery, Wall.