Obituary of Anthony J. "Woke-Up" Esposito

Anthony John “Woke-Up” Esposito, a longtime Madison resident, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 1, 2018 with his family at his side. He was 97. 

Tony was born in Madison on January 1, 1921 to the late John and Nancy Esposito (nee Mantone). He was raised in Newark and would eventually move back to Madison where he has lived for over 70 years. He worked at the iconic rose farms of Madison in the 1940’s prior to answering his country’s call to war. Tony served honorably in the US Army as a paratrooper in WW2 in the Pacific theater. He participated in the liberation of the Philippines. After the war Tony returned to Madison and would marry his beloved wife of over 65 years, Rose Esposito (nee Palma). The couple raised their family in Madison, where they have lived since. 

Tony had a long career with the Borough of Madison Road Department, retiring in 1989 after 30 years of dedicated service. He enjoyed spending time with friends and family, especially attending his grandchildren’s sporting events. Tony attended Madison High School football games regularly, loved the NY Yankees and sports in general. He will be remembered for his good-nature and being a genuine people-person who was an attentive listener that never forgot a name.

In addition to his parents, Tony was predeceased by his dear aunt who raised him, Amelia Mantone; three brothers, Dominick, Ralph & Sammy Esposito; and one sister, Louise Iannacone. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Rose Esposito (nee Palma) of Madison; his son, Dominick A. Esposito and his companion, Susan Volpe of Florham Park; his daughter, Nancy Artiglere and her husband, Michael of Flanders; two brothers, John Esposito and his wife, Amelia of Madison & Steve Esposito; his three cherished grandchildren, Lauren, Dominick & Michael; many nieces, nephews and good friends; and his beloved French bulldog, Rocky.

Funeral services will begin at 12:00PM on Friday, September 7, 2018 at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison followed by a 1:00PM Liturgy of Christian Burial celebrated at St. Vincent Martyr RC Church, Madison. Interment with military honors will follow at St. Vincent’s Cemetery, Madison. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend a visitation to celebrate Tony’s life on Thursday from 4:00PM to 8:00PM at the funeral home.

Charitable contributions can be made in Tony’s memory to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105

Condolences to the family may be made online by visiting our website at www.madisonmemorialhome.com