Anthony Ajello III

Anthony J. Ajello was born in New York City and was the younger of one other, his older sister Della and both were raised in the Bronx and would vacation in Sheepshead Bay Brooklyn during the summers. Dad entered into the United States Navy at age 18 and saw the world at a young age. Being stationed in Naples, Italy with his cousin Jerry Lagala who also joined the Navy they experienced life unlike young millennials today.

When Anthony returned to NY he joined the family candle business, Ajello Candles which was a well established business that many generations before him started back in Italy around 1775. The family business were known world wide amongst aristocrats, celebrities and world travelers who wanted their candles from Ajello, which in those days everyone had to have a butcher, a baker and a Candlestick maker.

The business came over to NY in 1889 by Anthony's Grandfather, Antonino Ajello who put them on the map here in the states and gathered well known celebrity status amongst the rich and famous. The company made candles for Kings & Queens, Duke's and Duchesses alike.

Anthony was brought up working in the candles business and eventually going on his own opening several retail stores including a location in the famous Waldorf Astoria in NY which at the time was the only luxury hotel in the City and anyone with clout or fame stayed in the towers and bought their candles from Ajello Candles. Anthony's clientele ranged from the American Presidents, Richard Nixon to Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, Phillis Diller, etc..

Anthony had a larger than life personality, a strong love for family and very proud of his Italian heritage. He met his wife Ann Lisella at one of the Ajello Candle factories as she was the tour guide for the company. The factories were something to see and compared to something out of a story like "Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory", elaborate and fun place. Anthony and Ann married and raised four sons in the suburbs of NJ and were popular couple amongst friends and family as they always entertained and brought love and laughter to all. His entrepreneur spirit got him involved with investing in many pieces of real estate including oceanfront homes & apartment buildings.

After raising the sons, life changed with a divorce and Anthony established residency in South Florida where he would spend the rest of his life their really enjoying the sunny lifestyle. His sons eventually all moved down in the area and set up new lives for themselves as well. Anthony always enjoyed Ballroom Dancing, making candles, bringing smiles to all as well as listening to his favorite music by Frank Sinatra who he knew well. His old time celebrity customers would still contact him for his lovely handmade candles and would deliver in their Palm Beach homes.

Anthony was a great swimmer and taught everyone in our family and friends how to swim and dive as he loved the water. What Anthony loved most were his four sons. He was a very proud man and always talked about his brilliant and amazing sons.