Anthony J. Rega Jr.

Randolph:  Anthony J. Rega, Jr. passed away peacefully at home in Randolph, on August 21, 2023.  Anthony was born in Orange, New Jersey and attended St. John Grammar School.  Upon moving to East Hanover, he graduated from Hanover Park High School in 1978.  Anthony is predeceased by his father, Anthony J. Rega, Sr. and his brother, Michael Rega.  Anthony is survived by this cherished wife, Karen A. Mielke-Rega, his wife’s son, Robert J. Search (RJ) and his fiancé, Rebecca Scanlon of Oxford, NJ, and his grandson, Mason E. Search.  He is also survived by his mother, Mrs. Catherine C. Rega, of Whippany, NJ, along with many cousins.

Anthony was a natural drummer and was taught to play by his late uncle, Anthony Castiglia and enjoyed playing the drums while listening to rock & roll music.  KISS was Anthony’s favorite band.  During the 80’s and early 90’s, Anthony ran his own disc jockey business “DJ Fever” with Sunny McIntyre; he loved spinning records.  He also had his Second class Broadcasting license and enjoyed his time as a disc jockey on Radio Station WHPH.

Anthony had a long career as a QA/QC lab technician at Royal Lubricants in East Hanover and then at Whitlock Packaging in Wharton, until he retired in 2015.  Anthony worked part-time as a church keeper at First Memorial Presbyterian Church in Dover, New Jersey, where he was also a member for many years.

Anthony was a sports fanatic and shared his love of sports with his son, RJ and his many friends in his fan groups.  Anthony loved animals, especially the many cats he rescued over the years.  When Anthony became disabled and retired in 2015, he adopted his beautiful cat, Maggie.  She has been his steadfast companion and therapy cat.

Anthony was most proud of raising RJ, teaching him about sports and also being Mason’s Pop Pop.  He especially enjoyed laughing and hanging out with Mason, playing UNO and making fun of Grammy.

Anthony will be missed by all who knew him and will be remembered for his kind and gentle nature and his entertaining sense of humor.

Cremation will be held privately.  A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 2, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at First Memorial Presbyterian Church, 51 W. Blackwell Street, Dover, NJ, with a repast to follow at the church.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center in Madison, NJ or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. 

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