Obituary: Stephen Patrick "Pat" Antonacci, 70, of Keansburg -- Teacher, Minister, Mayor

Stephen Patrick "Pat" Antonacci, age 70, of Keansburg, New Jersey entered eternal rest on Saturday, March 30, 2013. Pat was born in Manhattan one of five children to immigrant parents, the late Mary Bridgett McGowan Antonacci of Leitrem, Ireland and the late Peter Antonacci of Bari, Italy. Pat was raised and resided in Manhattan for many years until moving to Keansburg in 1975. He was a graduate of the De LaSalle Academy with the Christian Brothers and the Novitiate of Barrytown, New York. Pat received a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Certification as a teacher of the handicapped from Jersey City State College. He earned his Master of Arts degree in Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University and also held a Principal/Supervisor certification. Pat was also certified to teach the auditory-impaired and was proficient in sign language.

Pat started his teaching career at Our Lady of Lourdes in Jersey City prior to his 27-year tenure at Keansburg High School. While at Keansburg High School Pat picked up the affectionate nickname of "Nooch." Nooch touched the lives of many of his students; guiding and inspiring his youngsters to believe in themselves and their goals. Nooch spent countless hours of his personal time filling out college applications, obtaining scholarships and job interviews for his students. Pat also served as the Chairman of the Juvenile Conference Committee for over 20 years. While at Keansburg High School Pat also proudly served as the President of Keansburg Education Association. Pat was always admired by his peers for his professionalism and his concern for his fellow educators.


Upon his retirement from the teaching profession Pat enjoyed working as an antique dealer in the Red Bank Antique Center just recently retiring. Additionally, Pat served as Chairman on the Church Street Corporation, an organization devoted to the housing needs of the senior/disabled community. 

During his life Pat was bestowed with numerous well-deserved prestigious awards. Among them were the New Jersey Governor's Teacher of the Year, Middletown Elk of the Year and American Legion Citizen of the Year to name a few. Pat also was a member of the Monmouth County Irish Federation where he forged many life-long friendships which he treasured immensely. 

Pat took great pride in his election and tenure on the Keansburg Borough Council from 1992 - 2000. Pat served as Mayor of the Borough from 1993 to 2000. During that time period the Borough experienced a boost in commercial and residential expansion, heightened community service and activities all while maintaining a stable tax rate. In addition, during this time period, Pat was a member of the Keansburg Planning Board and Housing Authority and also served as the Chairman of the Bayshore Conference of Mayors. 

For many years Pat enjoyed utilizing his dual passport (US and Ireland) to travel to numerous European countries. At home he was an avid gardener who freely shared his green thumb expertise. 

Pat was privileged to serve as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Ann's Church and as an interpreter for the deaf at St. Catherine's Church. 

Pat leaves behind his dear best friends John Huber and Jeanette Grogan. 

Pat was laid to rest in the Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Hawthorne, New York on April 3, 2013. A Memorial celebrating Pat's life will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2013 at 10:15 a.m. at St. Ann's Roman Catholic Church, 311 Carr Avenue, Keansburg, NJ. All are invited to attend.