Anthony Sarappa, 56, of Rockaway, formerly of East Hanover, passed away in the presence of his loving family on May 22, 2021 after a long, courageous, hard-fought battle with the effects of COVID-19.
Born to loving parents Domenico and Angela Sarappa in 1964 in Newark, New Jersey, Anthony will be remembered as a selfless son, husband, father, family member, and friend - always committed to improving the lives of those around him. He married the love of his life, Lori Ann Przyhocki, in 1990, with whom he welcomed his first son Anthony Michael in 1992, and his second son, Dominick J. in 1995.
From a young age, Anthony found a passion in working with cars, later making a career as an auto body technician known for his attention to detail and care for every one of his customers, the last many years of which he spent working with his second family at Ken’s Auto Body in Ledgewood, New Jersey, bringing joy to the workplace every day. He also spent over 30 years working for Pathmark Supermarkets in the produce department, up until their closing, where he developed lifelong friendships and memories, including with one of his most cherished friends, Scott Pasmonde.
A die-hard New York Jets fan, as showcased by his extensive collection, it was clear how quickly a football game could go from the most important event of his life to the bane of his existence.
An all-around handyman, Anthony found joy in challenging himself with many different projects – from creative home improvement projects to building furniture to working on his many cars in his garage. No matter the time of day, or how busy he was, he never hesitated to drop what he was doing to be there to lend a hand. That is what was most important to him, and no doubt one of many qualities he will be remembered for.
Anthony’s family would like to extend a grateful thank-you to Dr. Mark Oliver, Dr. Fred Scoopo, and Dr. Stephen Papish, who worked tirelessly around the clock to help manage Anthony’s health and try to heal him so he could return to his family.
Anthony is survived by his beloved wife of 31 years, Lori Ann (Przyhocki) Sarappa, and their two children, Anthony Michael Sarappa and Dominick J. Sarappa, to both of whom he was a devoted father. He was the cherished son of parents Domenico and Angela Sarappa, and loving brother of Bob Sarappa and Carmela Villani and her late husband Christopher. He was a dear and loving brother-in-law to his wife’s siblings and their spouses: Darlene and Stan, Joey and Joanne, Diane and her late husband Richie, Christine, her late sister Robin, and Kevin. He was also the loving uncle to Nicole and Gabrielle Sarappa, Carmine Villani, and many nieces and nephews. He is survived by many cousins, other family members, and great friends whose lives were greatly impacted by his kindness.
Visitation at the Leonardis Memorial Home, Inc., 210 Ridgedale Avenue, Florham Park on Thursday from 10am-12pm followed by the committal service at Gate of Heaven Cemetery Mausoleum at 12:30pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Anthony’s memory to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, in grateful appreciation of the care they provided for Anthony’s surviving son and 10-year cancer survivor Dominick. See donation box below for details…
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