Anthony Maisano

Published in The Record and Herald News from 8/3/2008 - 8/4/2008

MAISANO Anthony, "Babe" age 94, of Englewood Cliffs, on Saturday August 2, 2008. Predeceased by his loving parents Antonio and Marie Maisano who were one of the founding families in Fort Lee, he was also the sole survivor of nine children. Beloved husband of 60 years of Mildred Irene Maisano nee Schutz. Cherished father of Debra Ann (Jay) Dunne, Anthony William (Lisa) Maisano. Adored grandfather of Michael Anthony Maisano.

Born in Fort Lee, his life revolved around the community. He was Past President and Life member of the Fort Lee Lions Club, Honorary Member of the St. Rocco's Benevolent Society, long time member of the Fort Lee Athletic Club and a man of deep faith who served as an usher for most of his long life at Holy Trinity Church.

After a .515 batting average in high school he earned the nickname "Babe" after baseball great Babe Ruth. He played Semi-Pro for the Fort Lee Athletic Club, and he got to meet his namesake in October 1931 at the age of 17 during a game against West New Yorkers when Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth came to play. After five years with F.L Athletic Club he was picked for the St. Louis Cardinals farm team.

In 1941 his baseball career ended when he enlisted in the army during World War II, the first in Fort Lee to do so. After serving in Hawaii and Australia he returned home in 1945 and opened "Babes Taxi" with just one cab and which is now a Fort Lee Institution. After his retirement in 1975 when the company had expanded to 28 cabs, he would still come in at 5:30 AM to help out as a driver.

The family will receive their friends on Tuesday 3-5 and 7-9 PM at the Frank A. Patti and Kenneth Mikatarian Funeral Home 327 Main Street "opposite the Fort Lee Library". The funeral will leave Wednesday at 9:30 AM for the celebration of his funeral mass in Holy Trinity Church at 10 AM.

For condolences, directions, or information call 201-944-0100 or www.frankpatti.com.