Anthony Mario Pecci

Published in the Star-Ledger on 10/5/2008

Deputy chief with Essex County Sheriff's Dept., 84 Anthony Mario Pecci, 84, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, Oct. 3, 2008, with his loving family at his side.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2008, at 8:30 a.m. from the Par-Troy Funeral Home, 95 Parsippany Rd., Parsippany. (973-887-3235) or visit www.partroy funeralhome.com.

A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be offered at 9:30 a.m. at St. Christopher R.C. Church, 1050 Littleton Rd., Parsippany. Entombment is in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover. Visiting hours are on Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home.

The oldest of eight children, Anthony was born in Newark and raised in East Orange and moved to Parsippany 41 years ago. Anthony excelled in sports, especially baseball.

He was invited to try out with the Newark Bears and later played double A minor league baseball with the New York Yankees organization.

When Anthony wasn't on the baseball field, he could be found on the dance floor, swing dancing to the big band sounds.

Anthony had a 35-year career in law enforcement before retiring in 1985. He retired as deputy chief with the Essex County Sheriff''s Department, where he also served as sergeant, lieutenant and captain.

Prior to his tenure with the sheriff's department, he was an East Orange police officer. He received several commendations throughout his career.

His greatest treasure was his family. A man of commitment, Anthony could always be counted on for his support and guidance.

Anthony was predecased by his brother, William and sisters, Marion Pecci and Catherine Belsante. Survivors include his beloved wife of 54 years, Portia (nee Colandrea); his loving children, Lynn Vanora and her husband Dominick, Anthony and his wife, Toni, and Louis and his wife, Lucy; his dear siblings, Joseph, Louis and George Pecci and Gloria Johnson, and his cherished grandchildren, Michael, Danielle and Kristen.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his memory to Vitas Innovative Hospice Care, 70 South Orange Ave. (Suite 210), Livingston, N.J. 07039 or to Parsippany's Rockaway Neck First Aid Squad, P.O. Box 41, Lake Hiawatha, N.J. 07034.