Anthony J. Caltabilota, Sr., 85 of Oakhurst, whose charismatic smile and zest for life brightened everyone’s day, died peacefully at home on April 21, 2018.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY Anthony developed a lifelong passion for sports. He was a devoted fan of the Brooklyn Dodgers, NY Mets and the NY Giants.
He moved to Oakhurst in 1965 where he remained an active community participant. He was extremely proud to be the longest-serving living member of the Italian American Association of Ocean. Additionally, Anthony served as past President of the Lion’s Club, Belmar; Catholic War Veteran’s of Asbury Park and the Old Guard of Long Branch.
He served active duty U.S. Army in the Korean War from 1952 - 1954 and received the Meritorious Service Medal; the Korean War Commemorative Medal; the United Nations Service Medal; Korean Service Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, the Combat Infantry Badge and the National Defense Service Medal.
Well known as the friendly and personable “Tony the Butcher”, he was the owner/ operator of Avon Meat Market in Avon, NJ. He retired in 1995 to pursue his many hobbies such as golf, bowling, bocce, volunteerism and vegetable gardening.
His parents, Arthur and Mary Caltabilota predecease him. Surviving are his loving and devoted wife of 60 years, Jean Caltabilota; his sister, Peggy Mazza of Ocean, NJ and brother, Frank Caltabilota of West Long Branch.
Anthony’s immense love and support of his children and grandchildren was unparalleled. He will be missed by his children, Diane Avallone, Wall; Arthur Caltabilota and fiancée Janine DeMonico, East Windsor; Lisa (Caltabilota) and Fran Hayes, West Allenhurst; and Anthony J. Caltabilota, Jr., Tinton Falls; grandchildren, Katie and Brandon (wife Andrea) Caltabilota; Michael (wife Lauren) and Jordan Avallone; Tyler, Connor, Trevor and Alexa Hayes; Jamie and Gia Caltabilota and great-grandson, Mason. Additionally, he was loved by his many nieces and nephews and many, many friends.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit from 2-4 & 7-9 pm Tuesday at the Fiore Funeral Home, 236 Monmouth Road, Oakhurst, Ocean Township. Funeral 9:30 am Wednesday from the funeral home followed by a 10:30 am Funeral Mass at St. Jerome Church in West Long Branch. Burial will follow at Woodbine Cemetery in Oceanport. In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be made to the Italian American Association of the Township of Ocean (IAATO) Scholarship Fund, 1100 Highway 35 South, Ocean, NJ 07712. For condolences, please visit www.fiorefuneralhomes.com.