ANTHONY PAMPENA

GRAVESIDE SERVICE: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2021 11AM WARWICK CEMETERY WARWICK, NEW YORK IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, MEMORIAL DONATIONS MAY BE MADE IN ANTHONY'S NAME TO: OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 1911 UNION VALLEY ROAD HEWITT, NJ. 07421 Anthony Pampena June 12, 1931 - September 27, 2021 Anthony “Tony” Pampena, a much loved father and grandfather, age 90 of West Milford, New Jersey, passed into the presence of his Heavenly Father on Monday, September 27, 2021. Born and raised in Spigno Saturnia, Italy, including during the years of World War II, he witnessed the bombing of Monte Cassino (1944) in the neighboring mountains. He immigrated to America at age 16. Tony worked in the NYC garment district prior to joining the Army at age 21. He earned the rank of sergeant and instructed servicemen in the 553rd Artillery Battalion at Fort Sill in Oklahoma. He was known as an excellent marksman and earned the title of “Mr. Strongman” for being the strongest in his unit. While serving in the military, he was involved in working on the development and testing of the M65 atomic cannon, often called Atomic Annie. He received the national defense service medal and good conduct medal during his service. In 1955, he married the love of his life Arlene (Bonanno) Pampena and raised a family together while he worked as a loyal and dedicated butcher/meat manager for over 30 years at the former Grand Union grocery store. The most important “job” for him was being a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Family and faith were the cornerstones of his life, as he was a dedicated parishioner of Our Lady Queen of Peace Roman Catholic Church in Hewitt, NJ. His love, laughter, smile, humor, energy, compassion for others, along with the ability to share a kind word or tell a story like no one else will be severely missed by his countless friends and family. Everyone loved Tony, and many lovingly referred to him as “Pop.” He was preceded in death by his parents Pasquale and Anna Pampena, his wife Arlene, and his sister Lina Giarnella. He leaves behind his older sisters Adelaide Orgera and Gina Purtill Wenrich, beloved daughter Lisa (Rick) Ashley, best friend and son Anthony P. Pampena, cherished grandchildren, Richard (Rosie Long) Ashley, Lauren (Tyler) Stepanchick, Nicolette Ashley, Kristena Pampena, and Anthony M. (Cinthya) Pampena, Michael Massimi, great-grandchildren Sienna and Sophia Stepanchick, Dax Pampena, multiple nieces and nephews, and his dear friend and companion for over 20 years, Ceil Zelasko, and her family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Anthony's name to Our Lady Queen of Peace Roman Catholic Church, 1911 Union Valley Road, Hewitt, NJ. 07421. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date to be announced. Log onto www.sticklesolteszfuneralhome.com tribute wall to personally post your condolences, memories, photos, and videos.