Anthony M. Gaeta
Beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather
Anthony M. Gaeta, 87, of Roseland, N.J., passed away on Dec. 9, 2019.
Relatives and friends are invited for visiting on Friday, Dec. 13 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Shook-Farmer Funeral Home, 45 Roseland Ave., Roseland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Saturday at 10 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church in Roseland. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover, N.J.
Condolences and memories may be shared at shookfarmer.com.
Born in Newark, N.J., Anthony resided in Roseland for 50 years. Anthony was a staff manager and agent for 13 years at Prudential Insurance Company and worked for John Hancock Insurance Company for 22 years. Beginning in 1990, he was the ECUA recycling coordinator and later worked in the Essex County Clerk's office, retiring in 2001.
Anthony was involved in numerous local community organizations including president of Roseland Kiwanis for 20 years, president of West Essex High School Boosters, founding member of Roseland Chapter of UNICO, as well as district governor of UNICO National.
In 2002, he was voted Italian American of the Year. He was elected to three terms to the West Essex Regional Board of Education and was vice president for two years.
Anthony was an accomplished musician. He was a member of the Barringer High School Blue Jackets where he played the bass fiddle and a member of the Barringer High School Marching Band where he played the tuba.
He continued his musical career late into his life playing countless weddings and events at the Friar Tuck Inn and Hanover Manor as The Frank Roberts Orchestra. Anthony also instructed Nick Masi of the Four Seasons on playing the bass guitar.
Anthony was predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Anne and his parents, Erma and Michael Gaeta, as well as his brother, Michael.
He is survived by his children: Michelle Gaeta Tipton and husband, Tip; Anthony Gaeta Jr. and wife, Carol and Annette DiBlasio and husband, Mark. He is also survived by his sister, Marie Martino and brother-in-law, Vito, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Anthony loved spending time with his five grandchildren and great-grandchild: Michael Critchley and wife, Emily and their son, Carter of Austin, Texas; Mark Critchley and fiancée, Katie, of Hoboken, Janelle Gaeta of Montclair, Nicholas Gaeta of Fairfield, and Matthew DiBlasio of Caldwell.
A proud veteran of the U.S. Army, Anthony served his country in the Korean War.
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