Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1930
DIED
2017
FUNERAL HOME
Anthony Vitanza Obituary
AGE: 86 • Monroe Township formerly of North Brunswick
Anthony (Tony) F. Vitanza, 86, died peacefully at his home in Monroe Township, NJ on Wednesday, January 4, 2017. His family was faithfully at his side.
Born on July 8,1930 in New Brunswick, NJ, Tony was the son of the late Anthony Vitanza Sr. and Mary Taormina Vitanza. He was a lifelong resident of North Brunswick before moving to Monroe Township in 2016.
During the Korean War, he served in the United States Air Force. He was honorably discharged in 1955.
His career started as a part time police officer in North Brunswick Township in 1956. He began serving as one of the first full time officers in 1965, was promoted to detective in 1967 and served in that capacity until 1973. His assignments included the Juvenile Bureau and Narcotics Squad. He headed the North Brunswick Defense Tactic Riot Squad and instructed personnel in this area including firearm qualification testing. He was a Firearms and Defense Instructor at the Middlesex County Police Academy. Anthony was presented the "Meritorious Valor" medal by the North Brunswick Township Committee for his heroic action which resulted in saving the life of his partner and a civilian. Mr. Vitanza then served as an investigator with the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office, retiring in 1995.
He was also the owner of the North Brunswick Ski and Sport Center from 1976 to1983.
Mr. Vitanza was very involved with the Township of North Brunswick serving two three-year terms (1977-82) on the township committee, assuming the position of police commissioner. He headed the Planning and Zoning Department, also overseeing the Engineering Department, Industrial Developing Committee, Rent Leveling Board and building inspections. He was a member of the Blue Knights Motorcycle Club, Sip and Ski Club, Lions Club, American Legion Post 459, Italian American Club, Chamber of Commerce and a fund raiser for Deborah Hospital.
In his earlier years Anthony was an accomplished musician, playing in bands with his brother Ben. He was an avid skier, golfer, motorcyclist and enjoyed life to the fullest. He loved spending quality time with family and friends and will be greatly missed by all.
He was predeceased by his wife Ann D. Milliken Vitanza in 2009. He was also predeceased by his two brothers Vincent and Benjamin Vitanza and a sister Josephine. He is survived by his daughter Lori Pugliese and her husband Vincent of Montgomery Township, three sons, Mark Vitanza and his wife Arlene of North Brunswick, Michael Vitanza and his wife Christina of North Brunswick and Marty Vitanza and his wife Donna of Bordentown. He is also survived by nine grandchildren - Vincent, Brett, Lindsay, Gregory, Drew, Cozette, Dale, Cory and Trevor.
Funeral services will be 8:30 AM Monday January 9th from Selover Funeral Home, 555 Georges Road, North Brunswick followed by a 9:30 AM Mass at Sacred Heart Church in New Brunswick. Burial will follow at St. Peter's Cemetery in New Brunswick. Friends and family may call at the funeral home on Sunday January 8th from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to the North Brunswick PBA Local#160, P.O. Box 7245, North Brunswick, NJ 08902
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Anthony Vitanza
Sponsored by Gleason Funeral Home of North Brunswick (Formerly Selover).
Tony Coffaro
January 1, 2024
Tony was a Classic always had something nice to say about everyone .One Day we will all meet again better know as Mr Bee Bop..
Tom Santopietro (St.Peter)
December 31, 2023
Tony was a really nice man that always had a smile to greet you. He was fun to be around and always had an interesting story to tell. May he RIP.....
John Kulesa
July 6, 2018
Tony was a such a
"JOY"
to be around!
Longtime family friend.
He Will be Missed!
My mother grew up in North Brunswick with the Vitanza family.
My Sincere condolences to the
Vitanza family !
God Bless !
Kaz and Kathy Romanczyk
June 12, 2017
Just found out. Tony was a great man. We skied with him for a few years and always enjoyed his company. Our condolences to his family and many friends.
Gail Ribalta
May 10, 2017
I want to express condolences to Tony's family in his passing. He lived life to the fullest and was so loving of and proud of his family. We talked about many life adventures on our rides to and from Newark airport, and seeing him was always like meeting an old, dear friend. I know his light still shines brightly through each of his family. He will be missed. God bless.
March 4, 2017
Having just learned at this late date of Tony's passing it is with sincere sympathy that we express our belated condolences to his family. Through the many years of using his services for our trips a sincere friendship developed. He always listened patiently in our conversations, gave great advice and had a wonderful sense of humor. We shared many great moments of laughter A truly accomplished person and a sweet soul who will be missed.
Jo Ann B. Fran G. & Jean P.
Andrea Kovacs
February 4, 2017
Mike and family,Sincere condolences.- Andrea Kovacs
Tom Carroll
January 27, 2017
Tony was an awesome individual. He will be be always remembered. My deepest condolences to the family.prayers to all
Dan Susik
January 27, 2017
To Tony's family :
I just learned of Tony's passing. My prayers are with all of you. I had the privilege of getting to know Tony because he gave me many rides to the airport when I visited my mother in NJ. He was also remarkably kind to my mother over the years. We talked about all topics during our rides together and I was always uplifted from our conversations because he had an amazing energy for life and all it could offer on a daily basis. He always would tell me about each of his kids and grandkids and we talked a lot about him downsizing out of his house into the Monroe condo. I will always carry my friendship with him as a point of light and inspiration as my life moves forward. I am sure that is a legacy that he leaves for many people.
He was a great patriarch for which you are truly blessed.
Ralph Cretella
January 11, 2017
Just heard about Tony's passing. I worked with Tony in the prosecutor's office for many years and also drove me to the airport many many times. We also used to have parties at his house with everyone who worked in drug court. He was a warm, loving, fun person to be around. I will miss him and think of him and all the wonderful memories. I will be praying for all his family. God Bless
adele neatch/hametz
January 10, 2017
To entire vitanza family: So sadden to hear of tonys passing he had joined ann and his parents in heaven. We are left behind with heartache. He was such a moral and good man . Ann and Tony raised a wonderful family by senting a example of faith loyalty and trust. He was a good neighbor husband father. You were all blessed to have him as your dad granddad. Love to all
adele neatch/hametz
January 10, 2017
To entire vitanza family: So sadden to hear of tonys passing he had joined ann and his parents in heaven. We are left behind with heartache. He was such a moral and good man . Ann and Tony raised a wonderful family by senting a example of faith loyalty and trust. He was a good neighbor husband father. You were all blessed to have him as your dad granddad. Love to all
January 9, 2017
Tony was a great man!!! Excellent detective, great teammate, great father and skier!!! His smile and sincerity was infectious. His loyalty to his work was always outstanding and professional. He will be sorely missed, what a great individual..........Tom Maltese
victor gugay
January 9, 2017
Tony was a gentleman and a great friend I remember many moments we had together back in the 60'and 70's...his brother Vince with the jewelry store was a great guy too...ive missed the Vitanza boys since I left the state in the 80"s...my best moments in life were in north Brunswick with all mt friends rest in peace my old friend
Madelin Vargas
January 9, 2017
Please accept my condolences, may God give this family the strength they need in this difficult time. God always close to those of broken in spirit 1 Peter
5:6,7
Laurette Wilson
January 9, 2017
My sincere condolences to the Vitanza family may your father/Grandfather Rest In Peace
We worked together at MCPO he was funny; kind and a wonderful person.
January 8, 2017
This was a WONDERFUL man with a Beautiful family, I am so very sorry for your loss. I have so many childhood memories of him and Ann and all of you❤ May he join his beautiful wife and family in Heaven. It is so hard to lose a parent what ever the age. God rest his soul.
Blessings,
Dolores Zippo and The Sam Zippo Sr. Family
Wayne Martin
January 8, 2017
Rest in peace, brother. From retired brother Daniel Wayne Martin from 1969_1983. From North Brunswick, now residing in Columbia Falls, Montana. May God grant you a place in His Kingdom
Mary Chyb
January 8, 2017
Tony Vitanza is a wonderful man who is thoughtful, intelligent, and a fine person. Tony always had a kind smile and kind word for everyone. Tony will be missed sorely. God Bless.
James Witt
January 7, 2017
My condolences to his family, Mr V always smiled as he approached to shake your hand. He was a leader by example...I hope the younger patrolman can follow his example..R I P Mr V
Tony Coffaro
January 7, 2017
Tony was the type of person from the first time you met him you took a liking to him .I miss his laugh, and the good times that Tony and his Family shared in with everyone that visited there home .Tony's memory is held deep within all of our hearts. He would want us to remember how happy he was and how fun he was to be around. My Deepest Condolences to the Vitanza Family..
Tony Coffaro
West Palm Beach Florida
Tom Santopietro (St.Peter)
January 7, 2017
I'll always remember what a nice man Tony was. He was quick with a joke and always kind to whomever he met. And he was one hell a fun guy to be around. RIP Tony........
January 7, 2017
We will always cherish our memories of Tony. Our prayers and sympathy to the Entire Vitanza family. Len and Cathy Scott
Stephen Kish
January 7, 2017
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Joanne VonB
January 7, 2017
So saddened to hear of his passing tonight. There will never be a kinder ,more gentle soul than he. Always a kind word, a hug, a kiss, a true gentleman...I hope Brian and he are reconnecting and reminiscing....
January 6, 2017
Rest In Peace Tony. Our sincerest condolences to your family! You will be missed.
The Bennett family.
Donna Kees
January 6, 2017
So Sorry for Your Loss.
Judy Weiss garrity
January 6, 2017
He was with police when my father well like man always fair condolences to his children God bless
Sandy & Jack
January 6, 2017
Heaven needed another angel. He was such a kind man. Always had a smile on his handsome face. So sorry for your loss. Our condolences to his family. He will be missed.
Thomas Rizzo
January 6, 2017
Tony was a great guy. May he Rest In Peace.
Condolences to the Vitanza family.
Joe DeFilippis
January 6, 2017
I am very sorry for your loss. Tony was a great guy. He will be missed on our golfing trips to Ocean City, MD. I know he is teeing it up in heaven.
January 6, 2017
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Doreen Eden-Beard
January 6, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss...Anthony was a wonderful caring person. Prayers out to all of this family and loved ones.
Madelin Vargas
January 6, 2017
So sorry for your loss,please accept my condolences, God is always near to those broken in spirit like 1 Peter 5:6,7
David Speis
January 6, 2017
Dear Vitanzas,
It is with great sadness that I learned of Tony's passing. My vision of him will always be a glass half-full man of infinite energy. Whenever I think of him, I can't help but smile. He was more than just the father of friends, colleagues and neighbors, he was my friend and neighbor. I feel like the world is a lot less fun without him.
I share your loss and all of you have my deepest sympathy.
Giuseppe & Linda Prinzivalli
January 6, 2017
So sorry to hear of Tony's passing. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Robert Murray
January 6, 2017
Our sincere condolences to the family of a good man andfriend. Bob and Janet Murray and family
January 6, 2017
Truly a great man - you knew he was so full of life and made everyone around him smile always! RIP Tony
Mickey Lawrence
Lori Hauck
January 6, 2017
Condolences to the Vitanza family. . Love the Hauck and Mironov Families
Pat LoPresti
January 6, 2017
So sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. Always a gentleman, always friendly a wonderful person. I has so happy to see him over the past few years when I came up to NJ. He never changed. May God Bless You Tony and keep you.
R. Sylvia Tagert
January 6, 2017
The man with the great smile - a kind and generous friend - a great law enforcement officer - we send love and condolences to the entire family.
Bob (Middlesex Co. Prosecutor's Office, retired 2007) and Sylvia (Middlesex Co. Courthouse, retired 2005) Tagert
Linda Gerrard
January 6, 2017
My deepest condolences to the family. Tony was an exemplary law enforcement officer, a wise and compassionate human being who no doubt will be missed by all who knew and loved him. His service to the community was an inspiration to all. May each family member be held in the arms of the Great Comforter during this time of grief. I will always remember his kindness.
Sgt. Chuck Kravitz
January 6, 2017
I had the honor of working with Tony when he was assigned to the Middlesex County Department of Corrections by the prosecutors office. Tony was a a true professional and one of the nicest men I ever had the privilege to work with. RIP my friend until we meet again RIP
Frank Yager
January 6, 2017
Anthony was a standup man would give you his shirt off his back and his last dollar.May he Rest In Peace.
Steven Timson
January 6, 2017
A truly great man and family.
Growing up a block away his door was always open and inviting. I have many fond memories of swimming in the pool, 4th of July parties, or just hanging out with Marty and playing kick ball or whiffle ball. I last spoke to Tony at my best friend Kurt's wedding 8 months ago and we ended up talking for hours about the old days, his family and his friends.
I will miss him dearly.
Judy Staropoli
January 5, 2017
His smile was infectious....his laugh undeniable ...you knew when you met up with Tony you had a friend right off the bat....he would meet you with a big hug....Rest in Peace Tony you will be missed by many in Adams....
Pat Putnam
January 5, 2017
I worked with Tony at the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office. One of the nicest co-workers and a good person to know. My prayers for him and his family.
Sean Sweeney
January 5, 2017
In the last year, the world lost a lot of great people....but Pop Tony was the greatest!
The most genuine person you could ever meet, a true legend!
RIP Pop Tony
Joe and Liz Bailey
January 5, 2017
A dear friend. A mentor. A hero. One of the most magnetic personalities you could hope to meet. I will always remember all of our good times and never forget this wonderful human being. My heart breaks at this monumental loss of such a grand person.
RIP my dear friend.
Lynn R Hobschaidt
January 5, 2017
RIP Uncle Tony
Showing 1 - 58 of 58 results
Make a Donation
in Anthony Vitanza's name
Memorial Events
for Anthony Vitanza
Jan
8
Calling hours
2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Gleason Funeral Home of North Brunswick (Formerly Selover)555 Georges Rd, North Brunswick, NJ 08902
Jan
9
Funeral service
8:30 a.m.
Gleason Funeral Home of North Brunswick (Formerly Selover)555 Georges Rd, North Brunswick, NJ 08902
Funeral services provided by:
Gleason Funeral Home of North Brunswick (Formerly Selover)555 Georges Rd, North Brunswick, NJ 08902
How to support Anthony's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Anthony Vitanza's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
