Joseph J. Anania Sr., 90, of Middletown and most recently a resident at The Atrium at Navesink Harbor, Red Bank, passed away April 12 at Riverview Medical Center. He was born Aug. 25, 1929 in the Bronx, New York to Vito and Theresa (Lopardo) Anania. Joseph was married to Marie (Forgione) Anania of Belleville in June 1954.
Joseph graduated from DeWitt Clinton High School and Long Island University with a degree in chemistry; he was a lettered member of the fencing team while at LIU. He then served in the United States Air Force as a staff sergeant and instructor at Sampson Air Force Base in Geneva, New York from 1954 to 1957. Joseph and Marie moved to Middletown where he spent more than 30 years employed by 3M, working first in Freehold and then in Newark, until his retirement as plant manager.
For decades Joseph actively supported local culture and the arts community. He was active in coaching little league baseball when his sons were young and supported their endeavors in sports throughout their college years. Joe and Marie were dedicated band parents for the Middletown High School marching band. Their love of family, music and sports continued through support for their grandchildren. Whether it be a little league game, a local soccer tournament, a high school sports event, a musical, a band concert or some other performance, Joe and Marie would be in attendance to cheer on their grandchildren.
Joseph was a dedicated parishioner at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church of Middletown. He will be remembered for his commitments to history and science, his dedication to his family and the countless sacrifices he made on behalf of those he loved. Joseph is survived by his three sons, Joseph J. Anania Jr. and wife Janice of Colts Neck, Dr. William C. Anania and wife Pamela of Middletown, and Anthony Anania and wife Laura of Cocoa, Florida; his grandchildren, Mark H. Anania, Esq. and wife Lauren of Maplewood, Andrew M. Anania and wife Catherine of Merion Station, Pennsylvania, and William C. Anania Jr. of Brooklyn; and great-grandchildren Hadley, Campbell, Harper and Piper.
In addition to his parents, his brother August and sister-in-law Helena of Palo Alto, California, his sister Grace Russo and brother-in-law Anthony of Montclair, and his sister Rose Olsen and brother-in-law Jack of Montclair, preceded him in death.
A memorial service will be planned later this year to celebrate Joseph’s life once it is safe to host such gatherings. Donations in celebration of his life can be made to the Middletown Arts Center.
This article originally appeared in the April 16th, 2020 print edition of The Two River Times.
