Patrick Joseph Antonio

In Loving Memory of Patrick Joseph Antonio "Poppy"
October 7, 1945 – October 26, 2025
Patrick Joseph Antonio is reunited in heaven with Patsy Antonio (Father), Fannie Antonio (Mother), Eugene Antonio (Brother) and Judy Cosgrove (Sister)- a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and man of faith - passed away peacefully on October 26th at 3:04 p.m. in Cary, North Carolina, surrounded by his beloved wife, two children, and all five grandchildren. Pat is survived by his incredible wife of 57 years, Angela Antonio, his two children - Cheryl Antonio and Patrick Antonio Jr. - and his five cherished grandchildren: Emma Boss (22), Kate Boss (20), Alex Boss (16), Izzy Antonio (14), and Bella Antonio (14). Family was truly at the center of his life, and his pride in them was immeasurable.
Born in Newark, NJ, Pat lived most of his life in Little Falls, where he built a home filled with laughter, hard work, and love. A graduate of NJIT, where he earned top honors with a degree in Industrial Engineering, Pat began his pharmaceutical career as Plant Manager at Becton-Dickinson before embarking on a long and successful 25-year career at Warner-Lambert as Director of Technical Operations in Finance. After the company's acquisition by Pfizer (thanks, Pfizer), he retired with the deep respect of colleagues and friends who admired his leadership, integrity, work ethic, and kindness.
Pat's faith was the foundation of his family. A lifelong Catholic, he served as an altar boy in his youth and was a devoted parishioner at Holy Angels Church in Little Falls, where he and Angela raised their family and built lasting values.
When not working or helping others, Pat could be found in his garden or near the water - fishing, crabbing, or tinkering around the bay house - or perhaps at a poker table quietly taking someone's chips. He was an excellent card player and an even better gardener. He had a soft spot for fly-fishing for trout with his son and an even softer spot for his grandkids and their sports. He never missed a game, a match, or a chance to cheer from the sidelines. Pat also coached his daughter's softball team, loved volleyball, and was an avid skier - one of his greatest passions in life.
Anyone who knew Poppy knew two things: he never did anything half-heartedly, and his love and tenderness shone through everything he touched.
Pat's steady presence, gentle humor, storytelling, and boundless love will be missed beyond words but forever carried in the hearts of those lucky enough to have known him.
Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Sunday, November 2, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Gaita Memorial Home, 154 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Little Falls. Funeral services will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, November 3 at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m.at Our Lady of the Holy Angels Church, Little Falls. Memories and condolences may be shared at gaitamh.com.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations made in Pat's memory to the COPD Foundation - COPD Donate now a cause very meaningful to him. Please visit copdfoundation.org/Ways-to-Give/Donate/Donate-Now.aspx.