Obituary of Anthony De Sopo

De Sopo, Anthony "Tony" age 82 of Totowa at rest in Paterson on March 24, 2015. Beloved husband of the former Mary Rose J. Severi. Loving Father of James A. De Sopo and his wife Amy of Neptune and Anthony J. De Sopo and his wife Shelly of Totowa. Dear son of the late Innocenzo and the late Pasqualina (nee Riccardi) De Sopo. Dear Grandfather of Christopher, Abigal Rose, and Chloe Elizabeth De Sopo. Brother of Philomena De Sopo, Elena Coscia and her husband Frank, Natalie Kalfe and Dr. Carmen De Sopo and his wife Loretta. Anthony is predeceased by his two brothers Joseph and Benjamin De Sopo and his sister in law Martha De Sopo and brother in law Pete Kalfe. Anthony is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Born in Tricarico, Italy he lived in Tricarico for 17 years before coming to the United States. Once in the United States, Anthony resided in Paterson and West Paterson, before finally moving to Totowa 5 years ago. Anthony was devoted to his community and, especially, his Italian heritage. He dedicated his life to helping others in need. He was a member of numerous community, fraternal and service-oriented organizations for decades, where he served in leadership roles and devoted countless hours sharing his time and talents for many worthy causes. Anthony was the President of The Federation of Italian Societies of Paterson for many years. He was the Financial Secretary of the Cristoforo Colombo Society and was named "Man of the Year" in 1990. Anthony was also the President of the Tricaricesi Club which raised funds to assist children and senior citizens sheltered in the Saint Anthony Orphanage located in his hometown of Tricarico (Matera),Italy. Anthony had a lifelong love of sports which was evidenced by the efforts he expended on behalf of the Old Timers Association of Greater Paterson, where he served as Financial Secretary/Treasurer, as well as President for many years. Anthony was also a member of the West Paterson Boys Club and was one of the organizers of the Boro Junior Soccer League. In addition to his involvement in various community and service organizations, Anthony was a barber for over 60 years during which time he developed a devoted following of clients. He was a member of the Journeyman Barber Local 341 and The Associated Master Barbers and Beauticians of America, Chapter 855, where he served in many capacities. Significantly, Anthony was instrumental in working with state legislators to secure the enactment of updated licensing laws for barbers and beauticians in New Jersey in order to protect the public. Anthony was also selected as "Barber of the Year", as well as inducted into the Barbers' Hall of Fame. He was a Manager for Passaic County Buildings and Grounds, Paterson for many years, before retiring in 2001. ln 1987, the Italian Government honored Anthony by decorating and knighting him as a Cavaliere in recognition of his many years of service on behalf of the Italian people and for promoting Italian culture. He assisted Congressman Bill Pascrell with fundraising efforts.Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral from the Festa Memorial Funeral Home, 111 Union Blvd, Totowa, on Friday at 9:30 AM. Funeral Mass to follow at Our Lady of Pompeii, Paterson at 10:00 AM. Entombment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Totowa. Friends may visit Thursday 2:00 - 4:00 and 7:00 - 9:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer's Association National Office, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601 would be appreciated. For more information, go to www.festamemorial.com