Onofrio Italiano

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Onofrio Italiano, beloved husband, father, Godfather, Nonno, cousin, and friend. Onofrio passed away in the comfort of his home and surrounded by his loved ones on January 22, 2025 at the age of 83 years old.

Onofrio Italiano was born on January 10, 1942 in Reggio Calabria, Italy before coming to the United States in 1970. Onofrio was affectionately known by many as “Butch”. Onofrio worked as a Longshoreman for Maher Terminal in Elizabeth, New Jersey for over 20 years. Since his retirement, he became passionate about gardening and protecting his fig tree from the deer.

Onofrio was known to be a man of a few words, but showed his love, kindness, compassion and loyalty to his family and friends through his actions. In his spare time, he enjoyed being with his family and friends, but mostly his companion, ‘Slicky’. If you knew Onofrio, you knew he loved to drink wine and attend social events to dance the night away.

Onofrio is survived by his wife of 42 amazing years, Maria Grace Italiano, also known as “the best wife” and his five children, Massimo, Anthony, Kimberly, Nicholas and his wife, Avery, along with Joseph and his wife, Robin. He will guide his grandchildren, Dominick, Jonathan, Lorenzo, and Katalina from above. He is survived by his loving cousin, Antonia and husband, Giuseppe Lazzaro. He was predeceased by his mother, Rosa Italiano and best friend, Nancy Khalpari.

A memorial service will be held at Horizon Funeral & Cremation Services, 1329 Rt. 37 W, Toms River, NJ 08755 on January 26, 2025 from 2:00pm to 6:00pm where family and friends will gather to celebrate Onofrio’s life.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alzheimer's New Jersey: https://www.alznj.org/get-involved/donate/