Anthony Joseph Pacesa Sr., passed on December 26, 2016 at the age of 84.

Born in Newark, New Jersey, on July 4, 1932 the son of Anthony and Amelia Pacesa the oldest of two children. He graduated from Kearny High School where he played football for four years.  He belonged to various scouting groups and Marine Cadets.  Upon graduating from Kearny High School he attended Bowling Green State University in Ohio on a partial football scholarship.  He was drafted into the Army during the Korean War.  Tony served three years in the Army with a one year extension while serving in Korea and Japan.   He attained the rank of Sergeant.  He served in the Army Reserve for one year after being discharged from active duty.  During his tour of duty he was awarded Expert Badge with Rifle Bar, Marksman Badge with Carbine Bar, Korean Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star, Good Conduct Medal, Presidential Unit Citation (ROK), United Nations Service Medal and Defense Service Medal.  After being honorably discharged he attended Fairleigh Dickinson University evening division and graduated with a BS Degree in Business Management.

Tony married Mary Maguire on October 18, 1958 in St. Peters Church in Belleville.  They have two children Cindy and Tony and one granddaughter Cate.

Tony served on the Board of Education in Avon-by the Sea New Jersey for seven years holding various positions including President.  Tony served as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Elizabeth’s Church and taught CCD Classes.

Tony worked for Public Service Electric and Gas Company for 39 years in various management positions – 27 years at the Newark NJ Corporate Office in the Gas and Electric Engineering Construction Departments and 12 years at the Salem Hope Creek Nuclear sites prior to his retirement.  He is a member of the American Association of Cost Engineers International.

As a member of the Catholic Community of the Holy Spirit Parish in Mullica Hill he served as Eucharistic Minister and Lecturer, member of the Right to Life, Liturgy  Planning and served as Treasurer for the St. Vincent DePaul Society.  Tony was a member of the 100th Anniversary fundraising committee.

Tony joined the Knights of Columbus Incarnation Council 6364 in 1994 and was elected Grand Knight in 1999.  During his term of office he held major fundraisers to purchase Carillon Bells for the new Incarnation Church.  He coordinated Right to Life Bus Trips to Washington D.C.  Tony took care of the Eyes for the needy program.  He formed the Council’s First Degree Team and is a certified Chancellor.  Tony was the overseer for advertising for council fundraisers.  He made his Fourth Degree in 1996 with Archbishop C.J. Damiano Assembly 1626.  He joined the Color Corps and became Color Corps Commander.  He recently completed his term of office as Navigator.  He served as Marshal for the 2nd New Jersey District.  He was Honoree for the makeup 4th Degree Exemplification.  He was the Camden Dioceses Color Corps Coordinator.    Tony served as District Deputy and Trustee for the Pope John Paul II Chapter.  He was recognized as a part of the Circle of Honor at the 2011 State Convention.  Tony also received the Star District Award for 2010-2011.  He served as the Color Corps Commander and Admiral for his Assembly.

Viewing Thurs., Dec. 29 frpm 6-8 pm and Fri. Dec. 30. From 9-10 am with Mass of Christian Burial to begin at 10:30 am. Viewing and Mass will be held at the Catholic Community of the Holy Spirit Parish Center, 17 Earlington Ave., Mullica Hill, NJ 08062. Interment Gloucester County Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Society of the St. Vincent de Paul National Council of

the United States, 58 Progress Parkway, Maryland Heights, MO 63043.  https://www.svdpusa.org/