Anthony Yannello, 85, beloved husband, Dad, Pop-Pop, brother-in-law, uncle, friend and neighbor, passed into the hands of our loving God on Friday, November 16 at JFK Hospital in Edison, NJ surrounded by his loving family.  "Tony" was truly a beautiful person beyond words and many describe him as "the best human being I have ever known."

Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, Tony lived in Edison for the past 53 years with Luisa, his loving wife of 58 years. They lived a remarkable love story as best friends, partners and amazing parents to three now grown children, Susan, Karen and Jay.

Tony was so much more than a list of accomplishments.  He was a role model for all people who want to spread love and genuine kindness in a world that can often seem cold and unforgiving. He welcomed new neighbors like family to the "village" on Yuro Drive.  Every other week, he drove neighbors to the grocery store, shopped with them and carried their bags into their homes.  For 10 years, he visited a comatose boy every weekend to help with his physical therapy.  Whenever there was a question about what to do, his children would always ask, "What would dad do?"

Tony was a devoted parishioner at Our Lady of Peace church in Fords, New Jersey. He was honored as a Fourth degree of the Knights of Columbus where he was the treasurer of the Social Concerns ministry and ran an annual blood drive. He was also the treasurer of the Clara Barton Social Club. Tony retired from Lucent Technologies where he worked for 47 years as a project estimator.

God must need a green thumb in heaven.  Tony was an avid gardener and his family and friends enjoyed the fruits of his labor at many delicious meals.  Tony was also a big movie buff and baseball fan and in his younger days played on his company softball team.

Tony is survived by his loving wife, Luisa, daughter Susan Chapman and husband David of Holly Springs, N.C., Karen Antczak and husband Michael of South Brunswick, son Jay Yannello and wife Tina of Holmdel and six grandchildren, Chandler, Cagnie, Hunter-John, Luca, Jordan and Skylar and two step-grandsons, Graham and Sammy.

Visitation will be held at Flynn and Son Funeral Home at 23 Ford Ave., Fords, NJ, on Sunday November 18, 2018 from 2 PM to 7 PM.

Funeral services will be held on Monday at 10 AM, with a 10:30 AM Mass of Christian Burial Monday at Our Lady of Peace Church, Fords, NJ.  Interment will be in St. Gertrude Cemetery, Colonia.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Tony's favorite charity, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at stjude.org/partnersinhope