Anthony Joseph Perniciaro

Anthony Joseph Perniciaro

(May 17, 1953 – December 3, 2019)

Anthony Perniciaro, 66, of Wilmington, NC, passed away peacefully on Dec. 3, 2019 in Wilmington, NC. Known for his deep faith in God and enormous love for his family, Anthony was a man with a huge heart and one whose generosity flowed far and wide. Those who knew him will remember his big smile, his infectious laugh, and his ability to make everyone in the room feel welcome.

When Anthony’s children were younger, you often found him attending their sporting events or helping them improve their game. An avid sports fan and active member of the community of Madison, NJ, for years Anthony coached Madison Junior football and baseball and was instrumental in creating the Madison High School Volleyball Booster Club. If you ever had the pleasure of spending a holiday with the Perniciaro family, you were in for a treat as Anthony was a master at making an antipasto plate. He welcomed help from anyone who wished to tempt their fate at rolling the meat or breaking the cheese just right. Anthony—or Papa Tony to his grandkids—could often be found watching his favorite sports teams or sitting outside (no matter the weather) enjoying his cigar and music. He loved his dogs and, more recently, a cat he fondly nicknamed Shaggy. He was known for finding the most thoughtful little gifts for everyone and, on occasion, sharing a meal with someone less fortunate.  

Born in Orange, NJ, to Peter A. and Marie Perniciaro on May 17, 1953, Anthony graduated from Orange High School and attended San Jose State in California. He served in the Navy from 1972 to 1975, where he sailed to many places, including Spain, the Philippines and Vietnam. Once home from the Navy, he met and married the love of his life Carol Ann Perniciaro on July 17, 1983. He also continued to serve, this time as a Newark, NJ, fireman from the mid-80s until 2006 when he retired as Captain from Engine 9 due to an injury sustained on the job. Part of Anthony’s tenure as a fireman included time at Ground Zero after the September 11 attacks. He and his fellow firemen were part of the rescue and recovery effort and worked “the pile” for a solid two months. Above all, Anthony was a humble man who took pride in his service to his country and knowing that his family was well cared for.

Anthony is preceded in death by his father Peter A. Perniciaro who was a decorated World War II veteran. He is survived by his mother Marie, wife Carol Ann, son Vince and his wife Jennifer, son Marc and his wife Laura, daughter Kathleen and her husband Ian, brother Peter and his wife Donna, sister Marie, grandchildren Connor and Sophia, nephew Andrew and his wife Melanie, niece LeAnn and her husband Aaron and many cousins.

Visitation at the Leonardis Memorial Home, 210 Ridgedale Avenue, Florham Park on Sunday, December 8th from 1-4pm.  Funeral on Monday assembling at the funeral home at 10am followed by the funeral mass at St. Rose of Lima Church in East Hanover at 11am.  Anthony will be interred at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover, NJ at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, the American Liver Foundation, or the SECU Family House at UNC Hospitals.

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