Angelo ‘Sonny’ Lawrence De Angelis, aged 88, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2024. Born in Newark and raised in Nutley, NJ, he was the son of Joseph De Angelis and Jean Ottone. Angelo served honorably in the United States Navy as an Electrician’s Mate (P&L) Petty Officer 3rd Class and Motion Picture Operator, earning a National Defense Service Medal. He became a Master Mason of Musconetcong Lodge No. 42 in 2018.

Angelo worked in the garment industry in Manhattan for over 40 years, during which he frequently traveled overseas to China and Central America for business. In the late 1970s, he and his wife, Patricia ‘Pat’ Dugo, ventured into retail with their stores, ‘Jeans-4-All,’ located in Hackettstown and Washington—pioneering the fashion scene long before the likes of Gap and Old Navy! After retiring, Angelo sought new challenges and became an Adjunct Professor in the Fashion Department at Centenary College, where he taught from 2011 to 2013.

In 1958, during a pivotal leave, Angelo met his future wife, Pat, while visiting a shipmate’s home in Brooklyn, NY. Pat and Sonny celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on May 16th this year.

Angelo loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter, golfer, gardener and diehard fisherman. He enjoyed the thrill of the racetrack and fishing off his boat down the Jersey Shore. Known for his playful spirit, he delighted in card games and magic tricks, often entertaining friends with his ‘fake thumb tip’ at parties. He adored his poodle, Chico, and was known for cooking special steaks just for him.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Pat, their two children, Dawne De Angelis and Joseph De Angelis, and his grandchildren, Brooklynn and Angelo Joseph (AJ). Angelo will be remembered for his zest for life and the joy he brought to those around him.

The De Angelis Family is in the care of the Aloia Funeral Home/Attentive Cremation Service, 180 Harrison Avenue, Garfield, New Jersey 07026 (973-340-7077). Condolences visit www.aloiafuneral.com