DELRAY BEACH - Anthony “Tony” Bonatesta, at age 84, passed away on June 17, 2022 while at the Trustbridge Hospice at Delray Medical Center, Florida. For the last 10 years, Anthony and his wife resided in Delray Beach, but were originally from New York, Anthony and his family later moving to New Jersey as well.

Anthony Bonatesta, was born on November 7, 1937 to his predeceased parents Cosimo Bonatesta and Frances Bonatesta (both from Staten Island, New York). Anthony is now survived by his wife of 20 years Helene Sara Bonatesta now living in Delray Beach, Florida. Anthony had three children, Donna Meehan and her husband Stephen of Warren, New Jersey, a son Anthony Bonatesta and his wife Iris of Branchburg, New Jersey, and a daughter Gabriella Bonatesta and her husband, Ruben Fernandez of Queens. New York, as well as three wonderful granddaughters, Jill Razzoli and her husband Michael, Robin Bonatesta, and Lara Bonatesta. Anthony was extremely proud of his three children and three granddaughters.

Anthony had two older siblings both from Staten Island, New York, Theodora (Terry) Rao (deceased), Rose Calabrese (deceased) and brother–in-law Leonard Calabrese, now living in Staten Island, New York, and his beloved younger brother, Vito Bonatesta, who passed all too soon in 1961 at the age of 15. Losing his brother at that early age was a significant loss to the entire Bonatesta family for the rest of their lives.

He is also survived by his niece and nephews: Linda Dene, Robert Rao, Johnny Rao and Victor Rao and their spouses and children, as well as his extended family: Jodi (Craig) Tonghini, Jeffrey (Suzanne) Ornstein and their son Elijah, and Jennifer (Christopher) Caso and their daughter Ciera. He was loved by his entire family.

Anthony was a licensed U.S. Customs Broker for many years and interestingly was one of the first tenants of the World Trade Center in 1970 on the 50th floor. He often spoke of this time and how proud he was to open that office. Anthony was a U.S. Customs Broker for approximately 50 years, first in Manhattan and then Staten Island. When Anthony wasn't working, he was usually laughing with family members or friends. He just loved to laugh and enjoy his ice cream daily; Anthony also loved to dabble in sales in his latter retirement. He always kept busy, and making weekly calls to his children to be updated on any events. He loved television and music, especially Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra. In fact, some say he resembled Tony Bennett and they even shared the same first name.

A Memorial service will be held on Wednesday, August 3, 2022 at 10:45 a.m., in the Chapel of St. Teresa of Avila Cemetery and Mausoleum, 136 Passaic Avenue, Summit, New Jersey. In lieu of flowers, any donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at https://www.alz.org/?form=alz… or a charity of your choice.

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When tomorrow starts without me,

And I’m not there to see;

If the sun should rise

and find your eyes

All filled with tears for me;

I know how much you love me,

As much as I love you,

And each time that you think of me,

I know you’ll miss me too

So when tomorrow starts without me,

Don’t think we’re far apart,

For every time you think of me,

I’m right here, in your heart.

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