Tributes

Anthony Thomas Degatano passed away unexpectedly August 5, 2022, at the age of 72. Tony was born to Anthony James and Leonora Degatano in Elizabeth, New Jersey. After graduating from Roselle Catholic High School, Tony went on to graduate from Rider University in 1971 with a degree in Elementary Education. He immediately began his 40+ year career in education as an elementary classroom teacher. Always seeking to improve the learning environment of children he continued his own educational journey by receiving a M.A. in Administration and Supervision from Kean University in 1975 and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Administration from Pepperdine University in 2012. Tony served the children of New Jersey as a classroom teacher and supervisor for the Elizabeth Board of Education, Vice President of Catapult Learning, Dean of Academics/Principal of Wildwood Catholic High School, Director of the International Academy of Trenton, and Vice President of Academic Administration for PolyMath Achievement Charter School in Egg Harbor Township. During all this he started Degatano Consulting providing free services as an expert in Special Education to parents and acting as the advocate for special needs children. In addition to his educational administration duties, Tony was an adjunct member of the faculty and student teacher adviser at Drexel University. Tony’s profound humility shadowed his fiery pride, but ask about a kid he mentored, his Family, or a friend he loved, and that pride roared out of him in ways that would make you feel him, and the affection he had for them, in ways you would remember for the rest of your life. A striking man, and a superior intellect - he had the looks of a movie star - he never acted the part; instead, his arms were open always to us all, with an uncanny knack of knowing what to do when challenge came, how to make it better, all the while showing us an intelligent path forward. He listened to you - and really cared about what you carried with you. In 1970, he met the love of his life, Jeanne, and were married on April 15, 1972, living in Linden, New Jersey until 1975 when they moved to their first home in Edison, New Jersey where they welcomed their son, David (1979). They again relocated to Cape May, New Jersey in 2011. Deeply in love and inseparable, they would actively seek out adventures and looked forward to a long and happy life together in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina in 2021. Tony made a point to encourage and support David to follow his passions and interests. He was not only at every high school football game but cooked pregame breakfast for the team week in and week out. Tony ensured his son knew the value of putting in hard work, being loyal, extending kindness and not giving up when times were difficult. Anyone who knew Tony knew that he was the most loving husband, father, brother, son, nephew, and cousin, a family could ask for. He shared this same love with his community of friends, professionals, and acquaintances. Tony is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Jeanne (nee Stevens), and son, David and wife, Jillian (nee Winhold), his father, Anthony James, and sister, Margaret Fischer. He was predeceased by his mother, Leonora (nee Malta). Tony's family will receive friends and visitors during a visitation on Wednesday, August 10, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Goldfinch Funeral Home in Conway, SC. A funeral mass for Tony will be held on Thursday, August 11, 2022 at 9:00 AM at St. James Catholic Church in Conway, SC. Inurnment at the St. James Catholic Church Columbarium will be held privately at a later date.

Tributes

Anthony Thomas Degatano

April 2, 1950 - August 5, 2022