Obituary of Anthony Scarmazzo

Anthony, a Wayne-bred firecracker, lit up his childhood with a trail of laughter and chaos. He loved a good prank, a well-stuffed belly, and making everyone feel welcome. A coach, a collector, a fish-tank architect, and an absolute goof ball - he wore many hats, all with a twinkle in his eye and a story on his lips. He had a story for every occasion, and a knack for making even the mundane seem extraordinary.

Music was his oxygen, played loud and proud, whether it was the scratchy vinyl of his youth or the newest tunes blasting through his speakers. But nothing resonated with him quite like the love he had for his kids.

His son, Steven, was his shadow, his confidante, his best friend in blue jeans. For both his daughters, Courtney and Venessa, his love was a bottomless bowl of encouragement, always ready to be filled with dreams and triumphs. He turned our projects into his playground and tackled them like a champion, coached us like a pro, and beamed with pride like we were winning every game, every day with a big grin on his face.

He wasn't perfect, mind you. He couldn't resist a second slice of pie, his pockets bulged with forgotten scraps of paper, and sometimes his stories took their own meandering paths. But in his imperfections, he was real, he was human, he was Dad.

Anthony leaves behind a symphony of memories – the echoes of laughter, the rhythm of shared stories, and the sweet hum of unwavering love. He is predeceased by his parents; Mark and Dorothy. Survived by his three kids; Venessa, Courtney and Steven and his grandchildren. In addition to his brothers: Jimmy, Mark and Bobby, sister Cathy and his nieces and nephews. They will carry his melody in their hearts, knowing that even though the party's over, the music stays with them forever.

Rest in laughter, Dad. We'll miss you more than words can say.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Heart Association.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial gathering at the Festa Memorial Funeral Home, 111 Union Blvd, Totowa, on Saturday from 2-5 PM.  Memorial service will take place at 4:00 PM. Cremation was private at the request of the family.