Anthony Patalano

Anthony Patalano of Cherry Hill, NJ died October 12, 2025. Age 90. Beloved husband for over 60 years to Louise (nee Maddalena). Loving father of Louis Patalano; Luci Patalano and Marialynn Patalano Marcozzi (Enzo). Devoted grandfather of Gianluca and Avianna. Dear brother of Nicola Patalano, Giuseppe Patalano and the late Maria and Brigida. Dear brother-in-law of Franca Maddalena and the late John Maddalena, and the late Ralph and Alice Maddalena. Beloved uncle of numerous nephews and nieces and great nephews and nieces.
Anthony Patalano was born and raised on the beautiful Amalfi coast of Italy, on the island of Ischia. There, he enjoyed a strong family unit with four siblings, grandparents and many doting aunts, uncles and cousins who remained a source of love and pride for him until his passing. He spent many summers as a young boy working on the tour boats that sailed along the coast, and then worked on luxury liners that sailed throughout the world. Anthony developed a love of cooking as a young man and honed his craft throughout his life. He eventually immigrated to America in the Bronx, New York, where he worked in various restaurants in New York City, further developing his culinary skills. Anthony studied culinary arts at the Culinary Institute of American in Hyde Park, New York. He then became a Certified Executive Chef and won numerous accolades including induction into the esteemed American Academy of Chefs and their Hall of Fame; South Jersy Chef of the Year; and member of the Honorary Order of the Golden Toque. He participated and won 1st place in many culinary competitions and events, often in New York City, Philadelphia & Atlantic City. He was especially proud of being a founding member of the Professional Chefs Association of South Jersey, where he served on various committees and was actively involved until his illness. He loved attending the monthly meetings and continued his involvement until his very late 80s. Anthony continued to cook (and cook well!) through the age of 88 when his illness took over, dazzling his family and guests with his signature lobster bisque soups, pasta dishes and of course, "Il Coniglio Ischitana" rabbit.
While in the Bronx, he met his loving wife of over 60 years, Louise. They eventually moved to South Jersey, while raising their family - son Louis and daughters Luci and MariaLynn. Anthony loved his family and extended family and friends and enjoyed cooking and sharing meals with them. Every holiday dinner was a day-long feast of delicious food and warm hospitality, highlighted by his signature warm and beaming smile.
Anthony often worked 18-hour days, 6 days a week but he never truly worked a day in his life as he loved his job and was passionate about cooking for others. For over 40 years, he served as the executive chef of the Merion Caterers in Cinnaminson, NJ where he served generations of customers for their most special occasions, often preparing lavish weddings for generation of brides – mother & daughter.
While he worked long days, he also cultivated some hobbies. Anthony loved to grow basil, eggplant and various vegetables in his garden each year. In America, he slowly learned the games of baseball and football, becoming an astute fan of the New York Yankees and even attending the winning world series game in 1977 with his dear brother-in-law John. On Sundays, he often watched three NFL football games back-to-back with his family, loudly cheering the "Hail Mary" long passes.
Anthony loved the fresh ocean air and took his family on vacation every summer to Sea Isle City, NJ, where he would buy fresh flounder and seafood each morning and cook up a feast after enjoying the beach. He welcomed guests at his shore rentals to share his summer seafood extravaganzas.
Anthony was always generous of his time and skills, volunteering his culinary expertise to so many causes. He cooked for the St. Charles Borromeo Church carnival in Cinnaminson every year and served meals to new mothers at Rancocas Valley Hospital's "Meals from the Masters" Program. He loved to serve on the Annual Scholarship Dinner Dance Committee for the Professional Chefs Association of South Jersey, and enjoyed attending these lavish, black-tie affairs with his family and dear friends.
Above all, Anthony loved his family and was so proud of his children's accomplishments and milestones, and his precious grandchildren. He beamed with joy at their college graduations, encouraged their career paths and always shared a warm embrace or wise Italian proverb when they needed guidance or support. Most importantly, he instilled in them the values that his family instilled in him – faith, hard work and compassion toward others. He was a doting grandfather who adored his 5-year old twin grandchildren, Gianluca & Avianna. They were the light of his life and his heart & soul.
Anthony is dearly loved by his family and friends and deeply respected by his culinary colleagues. Above all, he is a shining example of God's plan for what a husband, father, grandfather and friend should be. He is deeply missed by all, especially his heartbroken family in America and Italy.
Viewing Friday morning 10 to 10:45am in Christ Our Light Church, 402 N. Kings Highway, Cherry Hill, NJ. Mass of Christian Burial Friday 11am. Interment information Calvary Cemetery, Cherry Hill, NJ. Funeral luncheon will take place immediately after interment at Cafe Aldo Lamberti's, 2011 Route 70 W, Cherry Hill, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Anthony's memory may be made to the Professional Chef's Association of South Jersey of which Anthony is a founding member. You may send a check to the Professional Chefs Assocation of South Jersey, P.O. Box 177, Absecon, NJ 08201, or contact David Goldstein, President at 609-432-2744. For more information on the chapter, visit https://acfpcasj.com/
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