Antonio Vaccaro, 81, resident of Rutherford, passed away on Sunday, February 18th, 2024. Born in Camporeale, Sicily, Italy to Giuseppe and Concetta (nee Ferro) Vaccaro.

Antonio worked on the family farm in Sicily from the young age of 10, side by side with his father. He served in the Italian military, before immigrating to the United States in 1966, where he settled in New Jersey. He met the love of his life, Rosa, at a local bakery down the shore where he baked bread. They fell in love, got married in 1968, and bought their home in Rutherford, NJ where they remained for 52 years. Antonio worked in the wallpaper industry, was a chef and owner of Paisanos Pizzeria in Lyndhurst, and an avid gardener. He loved dancing, singing, homemade wine, cooking, and cigars. Antonio enjoyed life fully, especially in the presence of his family, his most prized possession. With his death, a chapter in culture and the old ways closes. Forever grateful for his loyalty and hard work, he will be greatly missed.

Antonio leaves behind his brothers Mario, Calogero and Vito and his sister Enza. Also, his children Connie, Mary, Cindy, and Joseph and their spouses Alex, Annette, and Marina. Finally, his grandchildren who will carry his Italian traditions forward: Claudia, Eddie, Miranda, Marcello, Nina, Joseph, and Rosina

Family will recieve friends Thursday February 22, 2024 from 2:00 to 4:00pm and 6:00 to 9:00pm at the Calhoun-Mania Funeral Home, 19 Lincoln Ave., Rutherford.  Funeral Friday gathering 9:30am at the funeral home for a 10:30am Mass of Christian Liturgy at the Church of Saint Mary, Rutherford.  Entombment Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington. 

In lieu of flowers donations to Lung Cancer Foundation (lcfamerica.org), 7381 La Tijera Blvd #451663, Los Angeles, 

Please use the this hyperlink to view the video the Vaccaro family has put together.  (4252) February 20, 2024 - YouTube