Obituary of Anthony Fantini

Anthony “Tony “ Fantini passed away peacefully on July 15, 2022. He was 92 years young. 

Born in Portocannone, Italy to Peter and Mariette (Izzi) Fantini, Tony emigrated to the United States when he was six years old and grew up in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Always a hard and conscientious worker, at the age of seven, he began delivering bread, ice, and newspapers to his neighbors in the Peterstown section of the city. As a teenager, he worked at Stanley‘s Meat Market where he met his future wife Delores (Minarchenko).

Tony graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School and enlisted in the US Army followed by the Army Reserves. He enjoyed a 40-year career in the coffee industry (starting with the former company, Tenco, Linden, NJ) as a manager of quality assurance. He was well-respected and highly regarded for his knowledge and expertise and became known as “El Exigente”, (the demanding one), amongst his colleagues in the industry. He traveled extensively in this role and the finale of his career was three years spent in Mazatlan, Mexico.

After making homes in Bayway (Elizabeth), and Cranford, Tony and Delores retired to Chester, NJ, where they devoted all their love, time, and energy to their family, especially their three grandchildren. Tony became known as “Fuffy”, a name given to him by his eldest grandchild, Gabrielle, and the name carried with him for the remainder of his life by family and close friends. 

Fuffy was a man of few words but his heart spoke volumes. He was patient beyond measure. He was a problem solver and extremely creative and industrious around the house and in his ability to fix things…add “Mr. Fix-It” to his list of nicknames. He never let a sunset fade without admiring it and would always call Delores to share in the beauty of the sky. He loved basking in the sun, spaghetti and meatballs, and Diet Coke. His signature trait was his “perfect head of hair”.  He will always be remembered for his unassuming presence. As in life, he will remain a constant in the lives of many. 

Along with Delores, his beloved wife of 70 years, Tony is survived by his cherished children, Tom Fantini and Gina Fantini Jasper, his treasured grandchildren, Gabrielle, Adam and Gillian Jasper, and his loving nephew, Mike, and niece, Ali Arace.  Also surviving are his caring sister, Mary Rahner and brother, John Fantini, and their families. 

Tony‘s affection and gratitude to extended family include Lawrence Tobia, former son-in-law, Philip Jasper, Jonathan O’Connor, Jaclyn O’Connor, and Lexa Stern. 

The Fantini family is eternally grateful for the care and upheld dignity Tony received while a patient at Morristown Medical Center. He was bestowed with smiles, hugs, and utmost respect. 

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 21st from 10am to Noon at Bailey Funeral Home, 8 Hilltop Road, Mendham followed by a Memorial Service in the funeral home at Noon. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to Tunnel to Towers, 361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306 or The NJ Special Olympics, 1 Eunice Kennedy Shriver Way, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648.