North Bergen Mourns the Passing of Anthony P. Vainieri Sr. at 98

Anthony P. Vainieri Sr., a former state assemblyman, township commissioner, and longtime owner of the Vainieri Funeral Home, passed away on January 21, 2026, at the age of 98.

Vainieri served in the New Jersey General Assembly from 1984 to 1986, representing the 32nd Legislative District. Prior to that, he was a North Bergen Commissioner from 1971 to 1975. A veteran of the United States Navy, he attended Memorial High School in West New York and remained deeply active in civic life throughout his decades in Hudson County.

“It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of our Dad,” his family shared in a public post. “We want all of you to know how much it meant to him interacting with his Facebook Friends. ‘Because of You,’ he remained active and happy all these years.”

Born in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, on February 15, 1927, Vainieri was married to Natalie Agresta from 1952 until her passing in 2017. He is survived by four children, including North Bergen Commissioner Anthony Vainieri Jr. and former Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle, who now co-own the family’s funeral home.

Mayor Nicholas Sacco described Vainieri as “a respected public servant, businessman, and beloved longtime member of our North Bergen family,” and extended condolences to the family on behalf of the township.