Anthony "Tony" Hope

Anthony Hope passed away on December 6th, 2019 at the age of 92. He was the son of Daniel and Mary Hope. Tony was born and raised in the Roseville section of Newark, New Jersey. He attended Abington Avenue School and graduated from Central High School in 1945.

After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army and was assigned to the Counter Intelligence Corps in Linz, Austria. There, he helped displaced persons return to their home countries after World War II ended.

Upon returning to the United States, he married the love of his life, Marie (nee Colasanti) in June of 1952. He attended Seton Hall University on the G.I. Bill and earned his B.S. and Master’s degree in education. He taught physical education, health, social studies, and driver’s education at Livingston High School. “Coach Hope” then became the Athletic Director there until his retirement in 1993. Tony coached football, baseball and girl’s softball at L.H.S. The teams he coached won many conference, county, and state championships. He was selected as the Essex County Coach of the Year in 1986 for girl’s softball at L.H.S., when the team won Livingston’s first state sectional title. During the summers, he was an umpire and managed the Livingston Memorial Pool.

After retirement, Coach Hope still followed Livingston’s athletic teams and was a proud member of the Big “L” Hall of Fame. Tony participated in many sports throughout his life. He was a passionate fan of the New York Giants and New York Mets, along with his love of big band jazz music.

He is most proud of the relationships he had with his former students, players and co-workers. Many of them became his lifelong friends.

He was happiest when traveling and spending time with Marie and their three children.

Tony is survived by his loving and beautiful wife Marie of 67 years. Also, by his children Denise and her husband Bruce; Danny and his wife Pam; Toni and her husband Ricky. He is also survived by his sister Bernice and her husband Charles Hoffman of Louisania and many nieces and nephews. Tony was the proud grandfather to seven grandchildren; Michael, Mark, Jaclyn, Matthew, Daniel, David and Nicole. He was the loving great grandfather to five great grandchildren; Ariela, Mara, Skylar, Sawyer, and Rafael.

Arrangements for the wake will be on Tuesday, December 10th, 2019 at the Quinn Hopping Funeral Home, 145 East Mt. Pleasant Avenue, Livingston, N.J. from 2:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

The funeral will be held Wednesday, December 11th, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at the Quinn Hopping Funeral Home. We will then proceed to the Gate of Heaven Cemetery and Mausoleum, 225 Ridgedale Avenue, East Hanover, N.J. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Tony’s memory to the Big “L” Club of Livingston High School would be greatly appreciated.