Anthony P. Marinella

Anthony Paul Marinella of Elizabeth, NJ passed away on July 1, 2025. He was 70 years old.

Anthony (Tony) was born on March 9, 1955, in Hackensack, NJ to Anthony Joseph Marinella

and Helen Barbara Marinella. His family lived in Hackensack and subsequently moved to

Paramus where he grew up and graduated from Paramus High School. In life, Tony created

his own path and did things his own way. Tony’s love of music began at a very young age. As

a talented pianist he tinkled the ivories for the enjoyment of many. He played both the

piano and organ with skill.

As a young man he moved to 440 where he lived and was the property manager for 50 years

and cared for the property as his own. He was a chef at the iconic Spirito’s restaurant in

Elizabeth for 20 years where he was called the 2nd mayor because he knew everyone and

knew about everything that was going on in Elizabeth. His next career was in real estate

when he worked for 3 years for Cantor, a NJ based developer of shopping centers and

industrial buildings. He then moved to The Lightstone Group in Vauxhall NJ where he was

Regional Property Manager in NJ & PA until his retirement in 2022. His expertise and input

were valued and highly respected by all who worked with and for him. Tony was always well

groomed and on time. He had two cups of coffee and ate only one meal a day, dinner. Tony

enjoyed his annual 2-week vacation to Las Vegas. One of the highlights of his trip was

playing the piano in Liberace’s Tivoli Gardens Piano Bar. Bruce Springsteen was also one of

his favorites.

Through the years his dogs A J (Airedale Terrier), Rocky (St Bernard) and Brutus (St Bernard)

were his best friends. He loved them with all his heart. His feline friends were Crazy Cat,

Mama, Fluffy, Calypso, her twin and their baby sister. His parrot named Gizmo would

always keep Tony’s home lively. Outdoors he enjoyed vegetable gardening, feeding the

birds and planting beautiful flowers at 440 and at Emma’s home.

Tony will always be remembered as a man of conviction in all that he said and did. The

people he cared about, he loved, and for them he would do anything. He was a loyal and

trusted friend to many. Tony was a very skilled craftsman and creative with decorating for

holidays. He was kind, generous, fun to be around and always willing to help and make

others happy. He drew happiness from other people’s happiness. He will truly be missed.

He leaves to cherish loving memories his Mom By Bond Emma Massey and Sister By Bond,

Ramelle Massey, We Are Family, Treasured friends, Jeffrey Dash, Jorge Hercules, Doctor

Tony, Josh Tavormina, Josh Santiago, Dr. Axelle Atchade, and many other valued friends.

Friends are invited to attend a visitation for Anthony at the Galante Funeral Home, 2800 Morris Ave. Union on Tuesday July 8 from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Interment will follow at George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus

A facebook livestream of Anthony's service will be available on the Galante Funeral Home Facebook Page.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the ASPCA – American Society for

the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals