Anthony Poliseo

Born in Newark, NJ on December 6th, 1949 to Rocco and Yolanda Poliseo, Anthony or “Tony” as friends knew him, grew up in Bloomfield, NJ. From a young age, he found his love for playing the drums which would carry on through his entire life. Tony loved music. Any instrument that he picked up, he could play by ear.After graduating from Bloomfield High School in 1967, he played in a military band in Germany while serving two years in the Army during Vietnam. Tony was honorably discharged in 1972, and after returning home, he joined numerous bands throughout the tri-state area as a drummer and vocalist.He remained committed to music and his band mates, performing on nightsand weekends while employed by the Department of Transportation, where he worked for 25 years before retiring.As much as music was part of his life, anyone who knew Tony would define him as a family man. He married his wife Linda in 1976, and they proved to be true partners for 48 years, raising two boys, Joseph and Rocco and many dogs.He was a movie-buff, having inherited the  love of cinema from his father, and Tony shared this love with his children. A common occurrence in his home would be the three reciting movie quotes and reenacting favorite scenes, Tony often saying, “I could’ve acted in this,” with his gruff and inviting laugh.In 2021, he sold his long time house of 40 years in Toms River, NJ and move to Tucson, Arizona to be by his three beloved grandchildren—Denise, Cristina, and Cecilia. He valued his time in Tucson and being near his granddaughters who he loved dearly.He was loved by friends and family for being a one-of-kind, personality-plus, caring and funny soul. Tony was a life long learner and teacher, always willing to share his passion of music, history, film, trips to Atlantic City, and the Yankees. It wouldn’t surprise those who knew him to see Tony standing up from his drummer in the garage and handing his drumsticks to a family friend, sharing his love and expertise.He will be remembered as an affable and committed man who worked hard to support and honor what he valued most—his loved-ones. Tony survives in the hearts of his wife, Linda; his son, Rocco; his son, Joseph along with his daughter-in-law, Marissa and their three daughters; his brother, Frank and his sister-in-law, Angie.Honoring Tony’s inviting and engaging nature, in leu of sending flowers, please share a story or thought about him that you keep with you in memory of Tony.