Anthony W Mennella

Anthony W. Mennella, “Tony”, of Pine Brook, New Jersey, passed away peacefully with his loving wife and daughter by his side, on August 23, 2024, at his second home in Jupiter, Florida.

Anthony was born in Brooklyn, New York to Salvatore and Angelina (DeAngioletti) Mennella on October 31, 1937.

After serving his country in the US Army, during the Korean War, he pursued a career in automotive sales.  Using his gift for selling, and his strong work ethic, he acquired his first automotive dealership at the age of 36 and became the youngest Oldsmobile dealer in the Northeast Region to do so.  Anthony built on his success, and by 1992 he had owned three Oldsmobile dealerships and a Ford dealership. 

He was a proud Italian American and was widely respected as a self-made man by his friends and family.  He truly embodied the American Dream.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years Theresa “Terri” (Trufelos) Mennella, by his sister Mrs. Louise Marcolini, by his daughter Doreen Mennella Yates of Montville, and his son Michael Mennella of Newark.  Anthony was predeceased by his sons Anthony Mennella and Salvatore Mennella.

 Anthony (aka Papa) will forever be cherished by his grandchildren Preston and Gabriella Yates. He was a source of inspiration and wisdom for his sister-in-law Maria (Trufelos) Siegel, and was deeply revered by his son-in-law Rook Yates.

Visitation services will be held at the Leonardis Memorial Home, 210 Ridgedale Avenue, in Florham Park on Friday August 30th, from 4-7pm.  On Saturday August 31st, funeral services will begin at the Leonardis funeral home at 10am, with a prayer service scheduled at 10:30am. Entombment will then follow at the Gate of Heaven Mausoleum, 225 Ridgedale Avenue, in East Hanover.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Anthony’s name to either the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org/donate) or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (t2t.org/donate). 

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