Anthony Joseph Savoca
Devoted husband, father, grandfather, lifetime educator, 74
Mr. Anthony J. Savoca, 74, of North Arlington, N.J., passed away on Monday, August 21, 2017.
Anthony was born to Joseph and Mildred (nee Zema) Savoca in the Ironbound section of Newark, N.J., on October 4, 1942. He moved to North Arlington in 1974, where he and his wife Madaline raised their four children.
A lifelong learner, Anthony graduated from East Side High School in 1960. He earned a B.S. in political science from Rutgers University and a M.A. in education from Jersey City State College. Anthony also received certification as a school administrator from Jersey City State.
He proudly dedicated 33 years of his life to the Newark Public School system. He first worked as a teacher, then a Vice Principal, until he became Principal of Oliver Street School in 1979. After retiring from Oliver in 1998, Anthony brought his love of literature to students at Hudson Catholic High School in Jersey City, N.J. He taught there for 11 years before retiring again to enjoy life.
Anthony’s greatest passion was his family. He was married for 51 years to his soulmate Madaline (nee Sabatino). Together they raised four children: Anthony, Jr. (Maggie), Lisa Beck (David), Tracey Smeragliulo, and Donna (Fiance Sener).
One name wasn’t enough for someone this special. He was “grandpa” and “papa” to his adoring eight grandchildren: Anthony, III (AJ), Connor, Elizabeth, Thomas, Michael, David, Jr., Stella, and Christian.
Anthony was an avid sports fan. His love of the Brooklyn Dodgers, was later transferred to the New York Mets. He shared his passion for baseball with Madaline and his kids. He also loved the New York Giants and horse racing. Some of his happiest times were spent at Shea Stadium, Citi Field, Monmouth Park, and Saratoga Racetrack. Anthony also loved playing his accordion, singing, and listening to music.
Anthony is survived by his sister Camille Savoca Gibson (Kenneth), his brother in law Vincent Sabatino, loving cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister in law Antoinette Pires and his brother in law Edward.
The viewing will be held at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, 596 Belgrove Drive Kearny, N.J. on Thursday, August 24, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Relatives and friends are invited to the funeral home on Friday at 10:00 a.m. The funeral Mass will be at 11:00 a.m. in Queen of Peace Church, 10 Franklin Place, North Arlington, N.J.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Anthony’s memory to ECLC Foundation, 100 Passaic Avenue, Suite 1, Chatham, N.J. 07928 or The Newmark School, 1000 Cellar Avenue, Scotch Plains, N.J. 07076 or www.newmarkeducation.com.