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Antonio Garay
1947 - 2022
Antonio Garay
1947 - 2022
Obituary
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Antonio Garay Obituary
Rahway - Antonio “Tony” Garay, 74, died on January 1, 2022. He was born in New York City but was a lifelong resident of Rahway, where he raised his family and devoted his time to making an impact in the community.
Tony graduated from Rahway High School in 1966, where he was captain of both the football and wrestling teams. He finished third in the New Jersey State Wrestling Tournament. He continued his football and wrestling careers at Hofstra University, and as a senior became captain of the football team. He was later drafted by the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League. After Tony hung up his cleats, he went on to earn his Master of Business Administration from City University of New York. Soon after, he was drawn back home to Rahway where he joined the Laminaire Corporation, his brother Carlos’ business. Also, he was the owner of MacArthur’s Pub where his focus was to bring people together and improve the nightlife in downtown Rahway. In his later years, Tony became a financial advisor where he happily guided family and friends to secure their futures.
Tony and his college sweetheart, Marsha, raised their three amazing children, Antonio II, Daniel, and Francesca, and supported them with great passion throughout their academic and athletic careers. As a three-term member of the Rahway Board of Education, Tony made a tremendous impact on the lives of many students. Tony and his two older brothers, Louie and Carlos, mentored many young Rahway athletes and helped guide them to the collegiate level. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, the theater, music, dancing, his Harley, traveling, sports, and time at his second home in Sag Harbor, NY.
He is predeceased by his father Armando, mother Genevieve; brothers Louie and Cisco, brother-in-law Richard; nephews Keith and Louis Jr, niece Gloria; and cousin Rudy.
He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years Marsha, son Antonio II and Joanelle; son Daniel and Erica; daughter Francesca and Rob; grandchildren, Antonio III, Jacobson, Eva, and Ariana; brother Carlos, mother-in-law Helen; sisters-in-law Susan and Mary Ellen; brother-in-law Mark; and the many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who filled his life with love.
Visitation will take place on Wednesday, January 5th from 4:00pm to 8:00pm and on Thursday, January 6th from 10:00am to 11:00am at the Lehrer-Gibilisco Funeral Home, 275 West Milton Avenue, Rahway, NJ 07065. Interment will be at Hazelwood Cemetery, Rahway, NJ following the Thursday 11:00am service. Link for live stream will be up by 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Tony’s name can be made to the Rahway Recreation Department as follows. Make checks payable to the “City of Rahway '' and send to the Rahway Recreation Department, 275 E Milton Ave, Rahway, NJ 07065, attention Anthony Diege. For credit card contributions, call Anthony Diege at the Rahway Rec at (732) 669-3602.
A live streaming of the viewing and service will be posted here at 10:00 am on Thursday, January 6, 2022. Clink on the link when posted
Heather Young
September 9, 2024
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Garay in San Diego a few times while visiting his son. He was always very pleasant and polite. My heart and prayers go out to the family. Im just learning of his passing.
Heather Y
Thomas Wolak
April 23, 2024
I had just saw this today 2024, my deepest sympathy.
I always had the best of times with Tony, he was an awesome boss and friend I had ever worked for and a great inspiration. He always the most professional and pleasureful to be with.
Tony, rest well hoping we meet again....
JOHN GITKE
October 18, 2023
ON TRACK TEAM WITH TONY AT RAHWAY, GREAT GUY, RAHWAY WILL MISS A GOOD MAN
January 8, 2022
So very sorry for your loss. Wishing you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
The O'Donnell Family
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William Thorpe
January 7, 2022
My smypathy to the Garay family. Tony was a very nice and cordial person. May GOD grant him eternal peace and rest. May GOD Bless the family and give them comfort in this time of loss.
Stanley Gatewood
January 7, 2022
From the first time that I met Tony he was larger than life. I admired him and soon became a friend. I'm sorry that I never got a chance to tell him that I looked up to him. He was like a measuring stick. Thank you for being a very dear friend that was like family. Rest in peace because you will be surely missed. Stanley Gatewood
Amy Rapoport
January 7, 2022
He was truly a family man and encouraged others to be the same. Community minded and caring of many. He will be missed.
Thomas Lawton
January 7, 2022
Decades since our last meeting. Many fond memories of our time together at Hostra with the C&L gang. A good man. Rest in peace brother. Recht Dor Zee.
Ramon Johnson
January 6, 2022
My condolences to the entire Garay family. His larger than life personality and infectious smile left an imprint on me and all he came into contact with. May he rest in eternal peace.
Walter Grote
January 6, 2022
I played football against Cisco, Antonio's younger brother, in '68 & '69 & had the pleasure of meeting & wrestling Antonio several times in the early 70's. All the Garays were great athletes, great competitors, & great people. I got to know Antonio the best. He was the epitome of a great athlete & wrestler...he used his skill & formidable strength to do everything he could to beat you fairly on the mat & he was a gentleman before & after the match. Earth's loss is heavens gain. Condolences to the Garay Family.
Shane Hambrose
January 6, 2022
Big Tone you were truly an inspiration to us all. I’m truly thankful and blessed to have had an opportunity to get to know you. You helped show me a way to raise my family and for that I’m forever thankful.
Irene & Eric Brocks
January 6, 2022
Our most sincere sympathy to the Garay family. We always enjoyed being together at family gatherings. His warmth and kindness will be greatly missed. His drive to live his life to the fullest was a shining example for others to follow.
Barbara & Marty Dymond/Spar
January 6, 2022
It was the most beautiful tribute to our Tony, the gentle giant.
Irene & Peter Fekete
January 6, 2022
In life there are many people that we meet but only a few that have an imprint on our lives, Tony was one of those. Our paths crossed and Tony and you welcomed us into your home and family. There were so many good times and memories. Thank you.
We grieve with you in your sorrow. It's small, but take comfort that so many people reach out to you and family during this difficult time. Tony will always be remembered fondly.
Hugs to you and family.
Cathy, Adam & Eric Miller
January 6, 2022
Tony was a friend, mentor and father figure to me and my entire family. There are no words to describe how his presence, was so special, to everyone that had known him. We love him and will miss him forever.
PETER FEKETE
January 6, 2022
dear marsha, and the entire family. i'm saddened by the passing of my dear friend tony. my deepest sympathy. he was a great man and more then that a great human being. i was honored to call him my friend. RIP my friend.
Rachel Devaney
January 6, 2022
To Dan and the entire Garay family. My deepest condolences on your loss. I will keep you all in my prayers.
Frank Pauling
January 6, 2022
I’m so sorry you’re going through this, and you have my full support. Antonio was a wonderful and loving man.
James Shedrick
January 6, 2022
Deepest Condolences
Retired Lt. James Shedrick #4579 NJSP
Michael Sanosian
January 6, 2022
My condolences to the Garay family. In loving memory of a wonderful person, coach, friend. Will always remember everything he taught me.
Paul Hassen
January 5, 2022
Had the pleasure of serving on the Rahway Board of Education with Tony. He was committed to serving the young people of Rahway. I will keep Tony as well as Marsha and the entire Garay family in my prayers.
Della Scutari
January 5, 2022
My deepest sympathy to the Garay family. I had the privilege to work for Tony who not only was a great boss but a good person. I can't say enough good about Tony and his wonderful family. I am totally shocked at the loss of a truly great man.
Jim Weakland
January 5, 2022
My condolences to the Garay Family. You are all in my prayers and thoughts. I have many great memories of Tony. I’m glad I was able to be in his presence on the wrestling mat and off the mat growing up. Larger than life and his legacy will live on.
Frank Crue
January 5, 2022
My condolences to the entire Garay family. Tony was a good friend to my family,dad Frank and my Uncle Richard Crue.
STEVEN CAMPBELL
January 5, 2022
To The Garay Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
I've known Tony for over 60 years. He was a great guy and loved by all whom knew him.
My he Rest In Peace.
God-Bless.
Phyllis Dyke
January 5, 2022
Dearest Marsha and Family, we are so saddened to learn of Tony's passing. Although we have not had much contact throughout the past years, you and Tony have been in our heartfelt prayers, as they are now. We pray some joyful memories will help to ease the sorrow that you all are feeling with his loss.
Blessings, Bob & Phyllis Dyke
Elizabeth Gavigan (Costner)
January 5, 2022
When we were in High School, Tony and I were both in Harry Reiser’s history class. Whenever Harry was called out of the classroom he’d warn us not to act up and to back that up he’d say, “if anybody does, Garay, you get detention “. Nobody ever did! Not out of fear, but everybody loved Tony and nobody wanted to be the cause of trouble to him.
Susan Sojka
January 5, 2022
Our sincere sympathy on the loss of Tony. He made a mark on so many lives and will not be forgotten. A great man. All our love to the family always.
Susan, Andrew, and Mary Sojka
Louis Stevens
January 4, 2022
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Garay through my coaching of his daughter. He was always supportive of Francesca and the teams. May he rest in paradise now that his time on earth has passed. Gone but never forgotten.
Carl Matteo
January 4, 2022
Dear Marsha and the Garay family,
So sorry to hear this sad news. Tony was a good friend from Hofstra. He was a terrific human being. I was lucky enough to reconnect with him at youth wrestling tournaments throughout NJ as our sons wrestled. Our paths crossed again when our sons attended Boston College. He was always a pleasure to be around and he’ll be greatly missed.
Andy Ross
January 4, 2022
Marsha and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Tony was a good guy and he will never be forgotten. Someone like him, who gave us so much, will always be remembered. Keeping you, Tony, and the family in my thoughts.
Chris Crocker
January 4, 2022
To Antonio & the entire Garay family, we are so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. He had an amazing soul and full of life. We will forever miss our days in Cleveland and always appreciated the time we spent together. Love,
Chris & Karrie Crocker
Mark SHERMAN
January 4, 2022
To the Garay family. Every time I officiated the union county wrestling tournament, after I said hello to Antonio an Dan I would look for Mr Garay. Always a pillar of strength he an I would talk although briefly I truly looked for him as I knew he would be there supporting the Rahway team. He will be missed by all the wrestling community in Union County, an certainly me.
With Heart Felt Sympathy
Mark Sherman
Daniel Halsey
January 4, 2022
RIP Tony, always a good friend
Joe Hartnett
January 4, 2022
Tony was a class act and there's never been anyone more dedicated to Rahway and to youth. God bless him and Marsha and the family and Rest in Peace always Tony.
Franco Mejia
January 4, 2022
I will never forget the lessons coach Tony taught me as a young boy. He helped me become the man I am today. He will forever hold a place in my heart. I wish to embody the grand man he was as I work to support my family and community.
We love you Coach Tony, Rest In Peace.
James Becker
January 4, 2022
Tony was a Great Father, Husband, Friend and Leader for the community and especially the Rahway Football and Wrestling Families, he will surely be missed!!!
May he Rest in Peace and continue watching over his family and friends!!!
Andy Hsu
January 4, 2022
To the first man that wasn't blood related to show me love. I can only pray that one day I can be half the man he was. He touched so many lives in many different ways. He will be sorely missed but his memories and his amazing children will perpetuate the legacy that he has already put in place.
Vincent Russo
January 4, 2022
To the Garay family,
I have always had the upmost admiration and respect for your dad. May he Rest In Peace..My sincere sympathy is with all of the Garay family
Jess Monzo
January 4, 2022
Sending the family my deepest prayers and condolences! The Princeton wrestling family mourns with your family.
Fred Weiss
January 4, 2022
Tony was a fantastic individual whose company I thoroughly enjoyed whenever our paths crossed. Whether at a family gathering or at The Garden for a Big Fight we always were really happy to connect. He will be really missed. Fred & Fran Weiss
Thomas Wittek
January 4, 2022
I am in total shock right now. Tony was a great athlete, businessman, coach and most all husband and father. I coached Rec Wrestling with Tony from the mid 1980s through the mid 1990s. He was an unstoppable force as a coach and gave of himself freely and without complaint. I enjoyed a few long car rides with Tony as far away as Niagara Falls and he was always about the kids. It is a tremendous loss for his long time wife Marsha and his children Antonio, Danny and Francesca. Three young people that would make any parent proud. Also this is a big loss for Rahway and Rahway Athletics most notably wrestling. The name Garay is to Rahway wrestling what the Vallendas were to the high wire. Godspeed on your journey Tony. You cannot be replaced.
Charles Simon
January 4, 2022
He was a great friend and even after Hofstra he would come home and meet us in Rahway Park where would play neighborhood ball. He will always be remembered by me as a team mate and friend. He never had a prejudice bone in his body. He was much like his brothers, which gives GREAT Tribute to his mom and Dad in the way they brought their boys up. Praying for the day we will meet again in heaven where I know he now resides. In Jesus name I pray Amen. I wish I could be there but inability to travel does not allow it. So I carry the family in my heart and prayers.
Marty & Susan Sica
January 3, 2022
Rest In Peace Antonio. Our prayers of comfort for his family.
George Schweitzer
January 3, 2022
Loved watching him playing football at Rahway.
Erik Wnuck
January 3, 2022
Along with his brother Lou, this is a significant loss to the community. Tony was of my early mentors growing up. From my days as a REC wrestler through High School, Tony was always a support and full of knowledge and advise. With the loss of the Garay brothers I fell a part of my youth has died with them. RIP Tone, you will be missed.
Rhonda Golden
January 3, 2022
Rest in peace prayers to the family
Bill Young
January 3, 2022
Tony was a great man and true friend. He will be missed by all. Fond memories are etched forever. Please celebrate his wonderful life. May God be with you
Bill & Maria Young
Mona Johnson
January 3, 2022
May God welcome you with open arms and continue to keep your family in the palm of His hands. You will truly be missed. With sincere sympathy, Turner, Mona, Jeff and Chris Johnson.
Scott J Smith
January 3, 2022
Sincere condolences to the entire Garay family. Tony will be missed by all who knew him. May he rest in eternal peace.
Joseph Colasanti
January 3, 2022
We are so sorry for your loss may you find comfort in your memories may they warm your heart and put a smile on your face.God Bless you and your family Joe and Ann Colasanti
sue Pavelec-Kampf
January 3, 2022
Rest in peace Tony, my former classmate. We had great memories in RHS.. you will be missed.
Justin Whyte
January 3, 2022
Marsha, Antonio, Daniel and Francesca ,Our deepest sympathy to you. Thinking of you all and your families at this time. May Antonio Rest In Peace, Emma, Justin & Oisin Whyte (Galway, Ireland)
Robert Cardamone
January 3, 2022
Rest in Peace my lifelong friend and fraternity brother. I have many fond memories of activities we shared both in high school and college.
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275 West Milton Avenue, Rahway, NJ 07065
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