Anthony C Anstiss

Anthony "Finnegan" C Anstiss 84 of Princeton Junction, passed away peacefully on Friday February 27, 2026 at Artis Senior Living Princeton Junction. Born in Newark, New Jersey on September 1, 1941 to Viola and John Anstiss he resided in Clark for 35 years, Jackson for 12 years, then moving to Princeton Junction 1 year ago.

He is predeceased by his loving wife, Barbara A. Anstiss; brother, John Anstiss; and sister, Dorothy Colombo. Surviving are his loving daughters, Janine (Keith) Scott and Renee Anstiss; 2 grandchildren, Kelsey Scott and Sean Scott, brother, Ronald (Ginny) Carney. He also leaves behind several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Finnegan devoted his life to helping others. Upon graduating from high school, Finnegan honorably served his country by enlisting in the US Coast Guard where he served from 1959 to 1967. After the Coast Guard, he continued serving others by joining the Newark Police Department and then joining the Newark Fire Department as a firefighter where he proudly served for 31 years retiring in 1998.

His amazing attribute was his ability to strike up a conversation with anyone. Finnegan could go anywhere and the room would light up not only by his presence but by his humor and wit. His ability to make people laugh and smile left a resounding impression on everyone he met. There was a captivating irresistible charm about him that is indefinable.

Throughout the majority of his lifetime, Finnegan always kept himself busy finding comfort and joy spending time in his garage. His talent was cabinet making and carpentry, creating anything from a simple shelf to kitchen cabinets and bedroom furniture. He loved hunting and camping but undoubtedly his most favorite pastime was fishing. Any opportunity to go fishing or crabbing he would. He found solace being outdoors.

Finnegan was a warmhearted and loving grandfather (grandpa) who enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. From picking them up from school, going to the parks, getting donuts and going to the boardwalk his love for his grandchildren will always be cherished and everlasting.

Later in life, he kept himself busy by going to the casino with his beloved wife, eating oranges and just being himself. He never stopped striking up a conversation with anyone, putting smiles on people's faces and filling a room with laughter.

In 2025, he moved to Artis Senior Living where he was provided with unconditional love, care and comfort. He enjoyed his days there being social, laughing and participating in various daily activities that they offered. His family is grateful to Artis Senior Living and Embrace Hospice for their unwavering care for Finnegan during his final days.

Finnegan was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin and friend to all who knew him. He touched the lives of so many. He was truly one in a million.

Memorial Gathering is Saturday, March 7th from 3-6pm at Oliverie Funeral Home 125 S Cooks Bridge Road, Jackson with a 5:30 PM service. Inurnment is Monday, March 9th at 10:30am at Brigadier Gen Wm C Doyle NJ Veterans Cemetery, Arneytown.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Alzheimer's Association, 23 Vreeland Road #105 Florham Park, NJ 07932.