Philip R. Pantano Jr.

Philip Ross Pantano, Jr.  Born to Philip R. Pantano, Sr. and Angelina DeStefano Pantano. Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many.  Philip was born in Englewood, New Jersey September 20th, 1941 and died at the age of 84.  He attended Cliffside Park High School and later enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.  While in the service he was an MP (Military Police) and honorably discharged.  

Philip went on to marry Phyllis Cucco and together they raised two sons, Scott and Ross. They lived in many places in New Jersey such as, Palisades Park, Brick,and Lakewood. They finally settled on their forever home in Manahawkin, New Jersey.  Phil wore many hats – construction, automotive repair, auto recycling and many other careers.  He could fix almost anything, and whatever he couldn’t, he would build from scratch. Most of all he enjoyed boating and could often be found in a bilge, in his boat or others. He also enjoyed building and racing cars from any parts he could find.  Phil enjoyed being around his family (especially his grandkids), his friends and of course his rescue cat Betty, (who loved a good nap just as much as he did).  He is survived by his loving wife Phyllis Pantano, his sons, Scott and his wife Loretta, Ross and his wife Meredith, Ross’ former wife and mother of his children, Beth Pantano, his grandchildren, Stephanie, Nicole, (Scott and Loretta) Gianna and Thomas(Ross and Beth), and Meghan Trovato, (Meredith) his sister in-law and brother-in-law Fran and James Craig and all his nieces and nephews. There wasn’t a time where he was needed and wasn’t there for his family.  Phil was funny in his own way and left us many memories and fun stories.  Whether boating in a hurricane or crabbing in uncharted waters there was never a dull moment. The story wasn’t complete if the coast guard or fire department weren’t called!  He was a wonderful man with a heart of gold and we will miss him terribly.

The family will receive their friends on Sunday February 1st from 2-6pm at the funeral home.   Phil's funeral will leave on Monday at 10:30 am for the celebration of his funeral mass in St. John's RC Church (Leonia) at 11am.  Following mass we will be going to Brigadier General William C Doyle Veteran's Cemetery in Wrightstown for burial.   For more information call (201) 944-0100.