Obituary of Anthony R. Piccirillo

Piccirillo, Anthony Rocco, August 29, 1922—January 12, 2018 (Age 95) was born in Paterson, NJ to Andrew Piccirillo and Rose Grande Piccirillo. He lived in West Paterson and Haledon before moving to Totowa, where he resided since 1959. He was pre-deceased by his two siblings, Maurice Piccirillo and Angela Piccirillo Mara. Tony was married to Gloria Recchione Piccirillo, his beloved wife of 69 years. They had three sons, the late Anthony A. Piccirillo, Stephen Piccirillo, and Andrew Piccirillo. Tony is survived by his wife Gloria, his sons Stephen and Andrew, his daughters-in-law Kathy, Debra, and Andrea, 11 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. Tony was a veteran of World War II. He served in the army for 39 months as a sergeant in the 691st Field Artillery. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge and was subsequently stationed in Germany, where he drove a jeep named the "Jersey Bounce." After the war, Tony worked as a truck driver for the National Biscuit Company for 42 years. He retired in 1987. Tony spent his retirement traveling extensively with his wife Gloria, spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and serving his community. For 50 years, Tony served as an usher at the 7:30 a.m. Mass at St. James of the Marches in Totowa. He was a third-degree member of the Knights of Columbus, where he was known for working in the kitchen and always making sure the coffee and food was hot. Tony was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Happy Seniors of Totowa, and the American Legion. Tony was an avid gardener and was renowned for growing the best-tasting vegetables and the most beautiful flowers. He also enjoyed playing baseball in the backyard with his children and grandchildren, listening to Frank Sinatra songs, playing bocce with his friends, telling a good story, and going for walks around town in Totowa. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral from the Festa Memorial Funeral Home, 111 Union Blvd., Totowa, on Wednesday at 10:30 AM. Funeral mass to follow at St. James R.C. Church, Totowa at 11:00 AM. Entombment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery Mausoleum, Totowa. Relatives and friends may visit Tuesday 3-7 PM. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Greenwich Autism Alliance Foundation, PO Box 155, Stewartsville, NJ 08886. Interment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery Mausoleum, Totowa.