Anthony J. Martignetti

Anthony J Martignetti, age 91, died October 7, 2024, after a short illness. As career long teacher in Ridgefield, New Jersey Public Schools, he brought the joys of music to elementary school children for 22 years. He is predeceased by his wife, Jaqueline “Jackie” (Vierno), his parents Anne (Ottomano) and Guisseppe Martignetti and brother Matthew. He is survived by his children, son Anthony Jr and daughter-in-law Amy Drum, and son Andrew and daughter-in-law Nancy (Villano), as well as his grandchildren, granddaughter Carmella “Kate” and grandson Andrew “Gino.” Anthony grew up in Jersey City and attended Schnider High School. After high school graduation, he went to New York City to obtain a degree from Manhattan School of Music. Anthony mastered many musical instruments during this time and throughout his career. He was a member of a musician's union where he played drums with other musicians. He would often happily load up and transport his drums to join a band playing private events. After college, Anthony served in the United States Army as a Private First Class where he worked in hospital services and transportation during the Korean War. Before becoming a music teacher, he spent some time working at Kresge Department Store where he met Jackie. Anthony and Jackie were married in August of 1961, after which they settled in Rutherford, NJ, where they welcomed both of their children into their family. The family moved to Old Tappan, New Jersey in 1972 where they had a home full of memories and love. Jackie decorated the home with care while Anthony diligently kept the acorns from turning the yard into a forest. Both boys joined the Boy Scouts of America where they both earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Anthony was a committee member for several years for the Troop. Anthony sat on the Board of Adjustment in Old Tappan for a few years. He would regularly donate blood to the Red Cross, donating over 50 gallons of much needed blood over the years. He was an active member of Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church prior to moving to Pennsylvania in 2019. Anthony and Jackie enjoyed cruising with family and friends throughout the years. Anthony enjoyed the sea air and the buffet while Jackie enjoyed shopping and reading. Their lives shall always be celebrated by their children. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

A visitation for Anthony will be held Thursday, October 10, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, NJ 07675. A funeral mass will occur Friday, October 11, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, 211 Summit St, Norwood, NJ 07648. For those attending the mass, please go directing to the Church; there will no service in the morning at the funeral home. The entombment will occur right after at 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM at Garden of Memories, 300 Soldier Hill Rd, Township of Washington, NJ 07676.