Anthony "Butch" Zirilli

Anthony “Butch” Zirilli, age 89 of Ventnor, NJ passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family Tuesday, July 16, 2024.

Anthony was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA. He worked in the food service industry passionately for many years. To name a few companies he was proud to represent, Philadelphia International Airport food services, Ogden Food, Tartan Food, Sysco Corporation, Tyson Food, and finally retiring from Original Philly Cheese Steak in 2022. Anthony also enjoyed participating in food shows, he was a true “foodie”.

Anthony honorably served his country in the United States Navy. In 1956 he received the national defense service medal. Anthony was proud to be stationed aboard the US Navy Vessel YTB 272 on Goat Island Newport Rhode Island. He served as a E3 fireman and a E4 engine man. During his years of service he spoke of the many places and sites he got to see.

Anthony is predeceased by his loving wife Barbara (nee Holloway) Zirilli, parents Catherine (nee Previty) and Anthony Zirilli, his devoted son Christopher Eck, and his brother Charles Zirilli and sister Anne Mascio. Along with his brother-in-law Frank Mascitti.

Anthony is survived by his daughter Kimberly (Chris) DiStefano, son Jimmy Eck, sister Marie Mascitti. Anthony is the loving grandfather to Christina, Kelsey, Nicholas, Lauren, and Joseph, and great grandfather of Leo, Nolan, Lilliana, Adam, Anthony, and Vincent. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews Marc, Catherine (Billy), Christian, Katherine, Jason, Lisa, and Christa. His sister-in-law Bessie Zirilli. As well as many great-nieces and nephews, along with many longtime friends.

Anthony enjoyed nothing more than spending time on his many boats throughout his years. One of his greatest joys was being able to spend time with his enormous amount of friends and family. Anthony was happiest on the water, whether it be teaching someone how to water ski, navigate a channel, or something as simple as to tie a dock line. Anthony was known by many names, a few being “Butch”, “Tony”, and “Tony Tomato”.

Anthony will forever be cherished and missed by all.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his church visitation Tuesday July 23, 2024 from 9:00 – 11:00AM, with a Mass of Christian Burial that will be celebrated at 11:00AM at St. Charles Borromeo RC Church, 176 Stage Coach Rd., Sicklerville, NJ 08081. Internment with military honors will follow in Gloucester County Veteran’s Cemetery 240 N Tuckahoe Rd, Williamstown, NJ 08094.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home 524 NW Blvd, Vineland, NJ 08360.