Obituary of Anthony J. Passione
Anthony J. Passione, lovingly known as Tony, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2025, at the age of 93. Born Antonio Passione in November 1931, to Lucia and Vincenzo Passione in Brooklyn, NY, Tony lived a life defined by love, service, and resilience.
Tony was married to the love of his life, Anna Scotto, for 63 years until her passing in 2017. Together, they built a beautiful family, including their children, Luann Passione, Marie Passione, Vincent Passione (Therese Zink), and Felicia Garfield (Robert Garfield). Tony was a proud grandfather to Maura Passione, Deirdre Passione, and Zachary Garfield.
A graduate of George Westinghouse High School, Tony went on to serve his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. After his military service, Tony joined the New York City Police Department, where he served with distinction from 1963 until 1994. As a police officer, Tony dedicated himself to protecting his community, leaving behind a legacy of honor and integrity.
Tony was a man of passions. He loved playing poker and gin rummy, cheering on the New York Giants and Mets, and sharing his “fortune cookie” wisdom. One of his favorite sayings, “Never for could’ve, should’ve, or would’ve,” exemplified his Brooklyn-inspired no-regrets philosophy.
Above all, Tony cherished his family and the memories they created together. His life was a testament to the values of love, loyalty, and service that will continue to inspire those who knew him.
Tony was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Anna Scotto; and all his siblings, Louis Passione, Arthur Passione, Benjamin Passione, and Rachael Esposito.
Visitation with the family will be held Friday, January 24th from 3:00 – 7:00pm, with Words of Remembrance at 6:30pm, at Norman Dean Home for Services in Denville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January 25th at 10:00am in St. Catherine of Siena R. C. Church, Mountain Lakes. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover. Services are provided by Codey and Mackey Funeral Home of Boonton.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations be made to the Adaptive Sports Foundation in Windham, NY, in Tony’s honor. To share condolences with the family, please visit CodeyMackeyFH.com.
Tony will be deeply missed but forever remembered for the love he gave, the wisdom he shared, and the life he lived with passion.
PLEASE NOTE THAT VISITATION IS BEING HELD AT NORMAN DEAN HOME FOR SERVICES IN DENVILLE.