Alfonso James Lentini

Lentini, Alfonso James

Alfonso James Lentini passed away on April 9, 2015 at age 95. Born March 1, 1920 to Alfonso and Anna (Recca) Lentini in Brooklyn, NY, he graduated from Textile High School and Stewart Technology of Aeronautics, and attended St. Johns University. In 1941, Alfonso married Ann Marie Ticchio, also of Brooklyn. For the 65 years of their union, he lovingly referred to her as "my Annie." Both Brooklynites, they decided to raise their offspring in a rural environment, purchased a home and moved their family to the farmlands of New Milford, NJ in 1952. He and Ann moved to a retirement community in Brick, NJ in 1987 and then, after Ann's passing in 2006, to Ithaca, NY in 2007 to be near his eldest son's family. Alfonso joined the Knights of Columbus in 1955 and subsequently served as Grand Knight of the St. Joseph's Council in Oradell, NJ. He worked for many years at Burlington Mills, retiring from Burlington's Research and Development Center as a Planning Engineer in 1983. While residing in Lions Head Community in Brick, Alfonso served on many committees, including the Men's Club and the Buildings and Grounds committee. He founded and directed the Bocce Sports Club, and was also the Lions Pride newspaper editor. He and Ann enjoyed many new friendships during their years in Brick along with the company of good friends from their New Milford years. Getting together with family, socializing with friends and neighbors, traveling to Italy with "Annie," taking cruises, and delving into his Italian heritage were the mainstays of his life. He was an avid Jets and Mets (and Brooklyn Dodgers) fan. He loved to walk, completing one to two miles a day into his early 90's. Alfonso is survived by his two sons, Allan (Denise) Lentini and Denis Lentini; three grandsons, Marc (Maura) Lentini, Matthew (Daniel) Lentini and Paul (Tamara) Lentini; and two great-grandchildren, Kevin and Jane Lentini. The oldest of five, Alfonso is survived by a brother, John Lentini. Brothers, Dominic and Joseph; sister, Dorothy; and sister-in-law, Lorraine Ticchio predeceased Alfonso. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Marguerite Ticchio Occhiogrosso and many beloved nieces and nephews. The family is grateful to his son, Denis for his role as primary caregiver to Alfonso during the past several years and to the staff of Oak Hill Manor in Ithaca for their excellent care and kindness during his final days. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Catholic Charities or St. Catherine of Siena Church, Ithaca, NY or a charity of your choice. Calling hours will be on Thursday, May 7th from 7 to 9 PM at Silverton Memorial Funeral Home, Church Road, Toms River, NJ. A Mass of Christian burial will be offered at St. Martha's Roman Catholic Church, Point Pleasant, NJ on Friday, May 8th at 11 AM. Burial will follow at the Ocean County Memorial Park, Toms River, NJ.