Obituary of Antonio Cianci

Antonio Cianci, a longtime Florham Park resident, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, December 7, 2024 with his family by his side. He was 82.

Tony is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Palma Cianci (née Bassolino); two sons, Pasquale Cianci and his wife Beth & Sebastiano Cianci and his wife Chrissy; five cherished grandchildren, Anthony, Benjamin, Michael, Julia and Antonio; one brother, Salvatore Cianci (Paola); one sister, Maria Nigro (Rocco); four brother-in-laws, Guiseppe Bassolino, Raffaele Bassolino (Teresa), Salvatore Bassolino (Palma) & Antonio Bassolino (Stella); two sisters-in-law Angela Esposito (Frank) and Angela Bassolino; many nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends.

He was predeceased by four brothers, Giuseppe Cianci, Giovanni Cianci, Michele Cianci & Vincenzo Cianci; two sisters, Antoinetta Cianci & Stella Cianci; one brother-in-law, Andrea Bassolino, and one sister-in-law, Angelina Bassolino (née Alise). 

Tony was born in Scisciano, Italy to the late Pasquale and Maria Cianci. He was one of nine children in the Cianci family, and as a young man Tony served in the Italian Army. 

Tony and his wife Palma were married on July 23, 1966 and emigrated to Madison where they welcomed their two sons Pasquale and Sebastiano into the family. The family moved back to Italy in 1977 for twelve years, before moving back to the United States and settling in Florham Park. 

Before retiring, Tony was an extremely talented mason with a loyal following of clients. He worked hard and took great pride in his work ensuring that it would withstand the test of time. 

Family was everything to Tony, and he worked tirelessly his entire life to provide a wonderful life for his family. He was exceptionally proud of his grandchildren. 

Tony had many interests and was an avid soccer fan, loyally devoted to the Napoli team. He was a longtime member of the Forum Club in Madison and he loved playing bocce, winning many tournaments over the years. 

Tony enjoyed being outdoors whether it be working in his garden, fishing, hunting or searching for the best edible mushrooms to harvest. He knew all the good spots they grew.   

Although Tony will be deeply missed by his family and friends, they take solace in knowing he is at peace.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the visitation for Tony to be held on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison.

Funeral services begin at the funeral home at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 followed by a 10:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial that will be celebrated at St. Vincent Martyr Church, 26 Green Village Road, Madison. For those unable to attend, the Mass can be viewed via livestream at https://svmnj.org/livestream-mass

Entombment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover. 

Charitable contributions may be made in Tony’s memory to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA  22116-7023