by Courtney Stafford, for the SBOANJ

Manalapan, NJ — New Jersey Racing Commissioner Anthony “Tony” DePaloa, 80, died June 4, 2016, of complications from surgery.

Born in Newark, N.J., on Nov. 1, 1935, his family moved to East Orange, N.J., where he graduated from high school in 1955. Upon graduating, he proudly served in the United States Army. After receiving an honorable discharge from the Army, he went on to work for the United States Post Office for 38 years before retiring.

Throughout his life, he served as athletic director at St. Mary’s High School, Perth Amboy Oratory Prep in Summit, N.J. and St. Pius in Piscataway, N.J. He also coached soccer, baseball, and Pop Warner football. He was a football referee, a baseball umpire and basketball official for many years as well as being involved in many local organizations.

In 2014, Governor Chris Christie appointed Mr. DePaloa to the New Jersey Racing Commission.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Dolores; son, Dr. Anthony (Carla); daughters, Antoinette and Gina (Joel) Russo; and grandchildren, Aria, Cristina, Anthony, Lauren, Alyse, Joseph, Alena, Gianna and Maria. He was preceded in death by his brother, Dr. Alphonse; and sister, Marie Giannone.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the charity of your choice.

Visitation will be held at the Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home, 26 Mule Rd., Toms River, NJ on Wednesday (June 8) from 4-8 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday (June 9) at St. Maximilian Church, Toms River, NJ. Interment will follow at Brig. General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Wrightstown, N.J.