Arthur William McAnneny

Arthur William McAnneny, of Moonachie, New Jersey, passed away on January 11, 2026 surrounded by the love that defined his life. Arthur was, simply put, the most amazing and caring husband, father, grandfather, educator, and friend. Anything a father should be, he was-for his daughters, his wife, and his family. They were his entire world, and he loved them beyond measure.

Growing up in East Brunswick, Artie was the middle child among four sisters, Karen, Maureen, Lois and Janice, a role that seemed to shape his lifelong gentleness and deep sense of care for others. He was thoughtful, patient, and genuinely happy, with a lighthearted humor. Arthur had a remarkable gift for listening. He always asked about others and always put himself last. He rarely placed the focus on himself…his words were grounded, his presence calming, and his insights often carried great wisdom.

A 1970 graduate of East Brunswick High School, Arthur was known even then as a class clown with an infectious warmth. Sports were one of his great passions. As a freshman he collectively lettered in football, wrestling, and baseball. Such talent placed him as a second-string All-State player and later served as captain of his college football team while attending Kansas Wesleyan University. His love of athletics, combined with his natural ability to connect with people, led him to pursue both a bachelor's and master's degree and dedicate 37 years to East Brunswick schools as a physical education teacher, coach, mentor and role model.

Artie spent his life around children, loving his daughters endlessly and serving as a father figure to many of their friends. Outside his home he was surrounded by youth both during the school year and through decades of summer work as a beachfront and swim club manager. He genuinely enjoyed working with kids and young people, and his steady presence made lasting impressions on countless lives. Teaching wasn't just his profession; it was who he was.

Faith was deeply important to Arthur and quietly guided the way he lived: with humility, compassion, and selflessness. Above all else, Artie was a devoted husband and father. He was married for 42 beautiful years to the love of his life, Sandra Pirher McAnneny. He is survived by Sandra; his daughters, Kaetlin McAnneny and Bethany Steele, his son-in-law, Matthew Steele, and his beloved grandsons, Dennis Arthur and Francis Ryan, who brought him immeasurable joy.

Arthur McAnneny was a bright light: steady, gentle, and endlessly loving. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the lessons he taught, and the family who was always his greatest pride.

A memorial mass will be held in March 2026. If interested in attending please reach out to the family for details.