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Anthony Munafo Obituary
AGE: 69 • Forked River
Anthony "Tony" Munafo, age 69, of Forked River, passed away Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014 in Toms River. Born and raised in Patterson, he lived there before moving to Forked River in 1974. Tony owned and operated Tony's General Merchandise in Forked River since 1979. Previously, he worked for Ward Trucking Company and was the owner of a Check Cashing Store, Star Limousines and She-Jen Security. Tony was also an actor, a body guard, and a movie producer.
Predeceased by his parents, Anthony and Rose Munafo, Tony is survived by his 4 children Cindy Abrams, Anthony and his wife Michele, Gina Munafo, and Jonathan Munafo all of Lacey; his brothers Frank and Eddie, his sister Lena Meola; his 4 loving grandchildren, Amanda, Crystal, Olivia, and Angelo. Tony is also survived by his former wives, Marion and Laurie, and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Relatives and friends may visit from 2-4 and 7-9 on both Sunday, December 21, 2014 and Monday, December 22, 2014 at Lacey Memorial Home (formerly Growney Funeral Home) 1022 Lacey Road Forked River, NJ 08731. A Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 9:30am from St. Pius X Roman Catholic Church, Forked River. Entombment will follow in Ocean County Memorial Park Mausoleum, Waretown. Laceymemorial.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Anthony Munafo
Sylvester Stallone
July 7, 2025
I just recently found out that my brother in arms, Big T, passed away. I am truly heartbroken. Tony was a friend and confidant. We worked together over many, many years as my body guard, and as associate producer on many of my movies. I was always proud of this man and even after we went out separate ways, we always kept in touch. I´m very sad to have to let my friend go after knowing him for so long. Rest easy, my friend.
Yours truly,
S. Stallone
STEVEN ERB
December 14, 2019
Tony (Cliffhanger) was Great. He used to come in with energy to A's Home & Garden Center. Had a fun time in the store with his way. Loud as hell. Remember him from the good old days when Lacey way real nice. That was the start of all the mom and pop stores. He did a great job at his store and will be missed as a real nice guy. Don't get Tony mad. LOL. IT WAS COOL WHEN YOU FIRED HIM UP...MERRY CHRISTMAS to The Demolition man..
December 27, 2014
So sorry for your loss our prayers are with you Love theo and tony and family
Diane Baskinger-Petrolino
December 24, 2014
Dear Lena, Eddie, Frank and the entire family....
Have only the fondest memories of Tony growing up in Paterson. So sorry for this great loss. His star will shine bright from above....
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Ron Fedorczyk
December 24, 2014
Tony, It was just a week ago that we saw you at my father's memorial and talked about how close you two were. Well the Lord has called you home and Tony and Ron are back together again. No more pain or sickness. You both are two young and healthy men again and probaly have security all taken care of up there.
On behalf of my family and myself Tony, we will miss you terribly and we love you dearly and we thank you for being such a huge part of our lives. You can rest in peace knowing that you did a good job raising your family and they can take it from here.
Tony and Lisa
December 23, 2014
Our condolences to the family. He will truly be missed. My husband stopped in the store several times a week and enjoyed talking with Tony.
Barbara Chanti
December 23, 2014
what a plesant guy. always telling you a story. my boys always went to his store Very Sorry. Ernest Chanti ,George Dekovitch and Mom Barbara Chanti.
David Van Bennekum
December 23, 2014
Aunt Marion, Cindy, Anthony and family -
I am very sorry for your loss. I will always remember my Uncle Tony for his youthful spirit and enthusiasm for his family and community. I am sorry that I am not with you today, but you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Dave
Ralph Hahn
December 22, 2014
"Tony's Discount Store for the People," was the sign on Rt. 9 many years ago, but I thought that was in my current town of Waretown, Lacey. I would stop in pick up a few things back during the 80s and chat with Tony. I couldn't count the number of the autographed 8x10's of celebrities that Tony had in the store. You would see his name in movie credits all the time, particularly on Sylvester Stallone pictures. Tony was 'Rocky's' personal bodyguard and I did catch him on the screen in talking scenes Quite a character in the community. I hope that Tony got to live all of his dreams and I offer his family and friends my prayers and condolences.
Cathi,Rob,Rob Jr,Tori.Sara Gray
December 22, 2014
Cindy we are very sorry for your loss,your dad will be truly missed.
December 22, 2014
Our condolences to the Munafo family
The Derflingers
Dawn Fitzmaurice
December 21, 2014
I'm So sorry for your loss. I moved to Florida 15 years ago and the winter before I moved here I bought a carhart coat from his store. I still have it, even though I don't need it here I still have it. That is now going to be my last memory of Tony
December 21, 2014
cindy and family, i am so sorry to hear of your fathers passing. all my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. love lorraine {michelesand cheryls friend from the bowling alley}
You'll be missed.
Steven Erb
December 21, 2014
Back when Lacey Township was a small town and we had a dirt parking lot at A's Garden Center and there would come Tony driveing in with dust flying all over. With that big smile and grin on his face and that alone would make you smile. We used to talk out front about how hard we were working to grow the business as we waited for customers. Oh yea, he told it like it is and was. Tony never held back. I miss people like that in my life that were honest about what they spoke and he always stood out in my head and used to say to me "Kid, I like you cause you speak your mind and from the heart". Thanks for being the friend I remember. From all of us at A's Home and Garden Center be well. You'll be missed.
Debra
December 20, 2014
Tony knew how to love. A true friend, generously sharing insight, wisdom, compassion and laughter. Tony, you will be greatly missed. My heartfelt sympathies are with your wonderful family. It is an honor to have traveled a part of your journey with you. Truly you touched my heart. May you rest with endless peace my friend.
Rosemary
December 20, 2014
Rest in Peace Tony, you were a good man and a good friend, you will be missed. With your passing another Star shines brighter.
Christine Casiero
December 20, 2014
My deepest sympathy to family and friends! What a great man!
Harry Hartman
December 20, 2014
Heart felt condolences!
Dave Buckridge
December 20, 2014
He was a great guy and family man. He was one of the good guys and spoke up for his beliefs. I am sad to see him go because, this world can use more good guys like Tony. Praying for his family during this difficult time.
Beth Morrissey
December 20, 2014
I am so saddened and sorry for everyone's giant loss of such a wonderful, big-hearted, and loving man. There was never a phone conversation I had with him whenever he called our office that he didn't end it with "I love you, Beth" I love you, too, Tony!
joann tsarnas
December 20, 2014
May you rest in peace
Robert and ela Tenpenny
December 20, 2014
My wife and I express our deepest sympathy.
He was always so nice to us.
Larry, Janet Biersack
December 20, 2014
Larry and I would like to extend our Deepest Condolences.Tony was a Great Friend. And we have Wonderful Memories of his rugged voice and Kind Heart. Please know we will be at the service in spirit. RIP Tony.
December 20, 2014
Lena Meola, you might not remember me, I worked with you at Allied Signal. I wanted to send my sympathies to you and your family, my prayers are with you. Mickey Barbero
Roy Argento
December 20, 2014
our deepest sympathies go to out the family. The short time that I knew you, i enjoyed your company. I will miss you. RIP
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