Anthony J. Desiderio Jr.

Anthony J. Desiderio Jr. of Monmouth Beach, NJ, fondly known as Tony D, passed away on May 1, 2026, at the age of 93.

He was born on September 15, 1932, in Newark, NJ, to Anthony and Olga (Ferrara) Desiderio. Anthony lived a long and meaningful life marked by an unwavering devotion to his family, professional successes, and many rounds of golf.

Anthony was well-educated and a lifelong student. Raised in West Orange, NJ, he started military school in the 4th grade and proudly graduated from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1955. In his seventies, after a full day of work, he attended a computer course at Brookdale Community College with a desire to understand modern-day technology.

Anthony served his country as a First Lieutenant in the US Army and was honorably discharged in 1958.

He began his career working alongside his adored father, an Italian immigrant who started Whippany Paper Board Company, one of the largest manufacturers of recycled paperboard in the world, a true rags-to-riches story.  

Anthony later became the Owner and President of Desiderio Oldsmobile in Ocean Township, NJ. He was part of the original "Good Olds Guys" and took great pride in being an Oldsmobile dealer. His integrity, charisma, and in-depth knowledge of the car business allowed him to connect with people from all walks of life. With a work ethic like no other, he actively worked until 87 years old and seriously contemplated returning to the workforce at 93. 

Anthony was the epitome of a Virgo - a meticulous man exemplified by his precise record keeping, down to the penny, and his habit of always dressing to the nines. 

When surrounded by his loved ones, the "teddy bear" within him would appear. Anthony loved to travel with his family and enjoy the Italian tradition of Sunday macaroni dinner. He was an avid golfer and a proud member of Spring Lake Golf Club. He shared his enthusiasm for the game with those he loved - always available to give a lesson and watch the pros with his family. 

Anthony is survived by the love of his life, his beautiful wife of seventy years, MaryAnn (Soriano) who he referred to as "Lou"; his devoted children, Debbie (John) Nunziato, Patti (Michael) Fede and Laurie (Mark) Rescigno; six cherished grandchildren, Christina (Erion) Kallanxhi, Gerard, Daniel, Kayden Rose, Olivia and Christian; four adored great-grandchildren, Victoria, Matteo, Giorgio and Giulia. 

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his beloved grandson, Joseph Anthony Brizzolara; his brothers and sisters, Rose, Frank, Mildred, Rachel, and Ralph.

Whether you knew him as Anthony, Pop, Desi, Tony D, or Mr. D, he made a lasting impression on many and will be dearly missed. In the words of Anthony, "Cheerio!"

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 from 5- 8 pm at the Damiano Funeral Home in Long Branch. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 10:30 am at St. Michael’s Church in West End, Long Branch. Entombment will follow at Woodbine Mausoleum in Oceanport. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital,  501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105. The family invites you to leave a letter of condolence by selecting the Tribute/Guestbook link above.

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