Anthony J. Parenti, a long-time former police chief of Fanwood, N.J., and former president of the Standardbred Breeders Association of New Jersey, died on August 1 at Overlook Medical Center in Summit, NJ, surrounded by family. He was 87.
A career police official for 60 years, Parenti also became involved in harness racing as a horse owner. He was elected to several three-year terms on the Standardbred Association Board of Directors, and elected by his colleagues as president for 14 years of the organization. He was also honored by Harness Horsemen International as man of the year.
He served as Fanwood police chief from 1975 to 1998 and five years as director of the John Stamler Police Academy in Union County. He was a police officer in Plainfield, N.J., one year and for 18 years in Fanwood before becoming chief.
In addition, Parenti was president of the New Jersey Association of Chiefs of Police. He established and served as president 30 years of the New Jersey Traffic Officers Association. In those capacities, he was directly involved in the passage of numerous traffic safety laws in New Jersey and wrote a weekly drive-time column for newspapers in his area.
Parenti’s career in public office continued in his retirement with his election to the Fanwood Borough Council for two three-year terms before retiring.
Born of Italian immigrants, he was raised in Plainfield, served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War from 1951-1955 and earned an associates degree at Rutgers College.
He will be sadly missed by his loving family, survived by: his wife of 62 years, Sally; three children, Anthony Jr., an assistant county prosecutor in Somerset County; William, the current police chief of North Plainfield, NJ, and a candidate for Sheriff of Somerset County; a daughter Nancy, two daughters-in-law; nine grandchildren, three great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation is scheduled for Sunday, August 4, at the Fanwood Memorial Home, 155 South Avenue, Fanwod. A funeral is scheduled for 10 a.m., Monday, August 5, from the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Catholic Burial to be celebrated at 11 a.m. at St. Bernard’s Church, 368 Sumner Avenue, Plainfield.
In lieu of flowers, and in keeping with his desire to continue to protect and serve, the family requests donations be made to the Fanwood PBA, Fanwood Rescue Squad or Fanwood Fire Department.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Anthony Parenti.
My condolences to the Parenti
My condolences to the Parenti family. RIP Tony.