Obituary of Ireneo Manitone

Mantione, Ireneo "Ernie" age 87 of Totowa passed peacefully surrounded by his family in Paterson on December 8, 2017. Beloved husband of sixty six years of the former Velia D'Ovidio of Totowa. Loving father of Elisa Mantione of Toms River, Pauline Vitale and her husband Carmelo of Wayne, Anthony Mantione and his wife Pe Teap of Galloway Twsp., Peter Mantione and his wife Lorraine of Hanover and Joseph Mantione and his wife Debra of West Milford. Dear grandfather of twenty one and great grandfather of seven. Brother of John Mantione and his wife Maria of Totowa, Mary Montagna and her husband Carmelo of Totowa and the late Paul Mantione (1962). Also surviving are several nieces and nephews. Born in Detroit, Michigan, he moved with his family to Monte D'Oro, Prov. di Caltanisette, Sicily, Italy at the age of two. He attended seminary school at age twelve until leaving for the U.S.A. at the age of seventeen. He met and married the love of his life, Velia in 1951. He was a Shop Foreman for Speedsteel, Fairfield, for many years before retiring in 2008. Prior to that, he was a professional truck driver for Roman Products, South Hackensack and was a member of the Teamsters. He was a parishioner of St. James R.C. Church, Totowa where he also served as an usher. Ernie was Past President and Treasurer of the Italian American Independent Club of Totowa. He enjoyed playing poker with his friends. He also enjoyed tending to his vegetable garden and fig trees. He was a N.Y Giant and Jets fan. He enjoyed his home in Boynton Beach, FL. Ernie was very handy and dependable. He helped everyone. He had a very strong work ethic. He cherished time spent with his family and grandchildren and every weekend was reserved exclusively for them. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral from the Festa Memorial Funeral Home, 111 Union Blvd., Totowa, on Tuesday at 8:45 AM. Funeral Mass to follow at St. James R.C. Church, Totowa at 9:30 AM. Entombment to follow at Laurel Grove Memorial Park Mausoleum, Totowa. Relatives and Friends may visit Monday from 2-4 & 7-9 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. James of the Marches R.C. Church, 32 St. James Place, Totowa, N.J. 07512 would be appreciated.