Obituary of Alfred F. Carolonza Jr.

Alfred F. Carolonza Jr., 83, of Hoboken passed away peacefully at home on March 26, 2023.

Visitation will be held at the Jacob A. Holle Funeral Home, 2122 Millburn Avenue, Maplewood, NJ, on Thursday, March 30, from 4-8 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Rose of Lima Church in Short Hills on Friday, March 31, at 10 AM. The family also plans to hold a Memorial Mass in Hoboken at a date to be determined.

Alfred was born in Montclair, NJ, to Alfred F. Carolonza, Sr. and Eileen Carolonza (née Darcy), and grew up in Orange, NJ. He graduated from Seton Hall Prep in 1957, where he was a talented football player. He would later be inducted into Seton Hall’s athletic Hall of Fame for his role in helping to win the first state championship for coach Tony Verducci. Alfred went on to receive a BA in History and Government from Boston College in 1961, followed by a Juris Doctor from Rutgers Law School in 1964. He settled in Short Hills, NJ, and Pompano Beach, FL, before moving to Hoboken, NJ, which he made his home for over 25 years. During his career, Alfred acted as an attorney for the Police Benevelont Association of Millburn, NJ, and practiced with several law firms before ultimately opening his own practice.

Alfred enjoyed sharing his interests and passions with his children and grandchildren. They ranged from the New York Yankees to Broadway musicals; from Winston Churchill biographies to blackjack and poker; and from the circus to traveling to his beloved Lake Garda, Italy. He was also a season ticket holder at Metropolitan Opera House, where he once performed on stage in the chorus. He never missed a chance to take in outdoor opera performances at the Arena di Verona in Italy.

Gregarious by nature, he was always willing to strike up a conversation, and inevitably managed to find some connection with anyone he met. He embraced his role of grandfather with pride, joy, and enthusiasm; he never missed a sports match or recital, and playfully dubbed himself the family chauffeur for his frequent treks  to and from family events, usually with grandkids in tow. Alfred often reminisced about his youthful escapades, his courtroom dramas, and his seemingly endless “small world” stories. But most of all, “Poppa Al” loved sharing stories about his seven grandchildren and their many accomplishments.
 

Mr. Carolonza is survived by his children, Alfred F. Carolonza III and wife Colleen, Susan Carolonza Chanin and husband Joe, Stephen Carolonza and wife Karen, niece Tracy Carolonza Matley, grandchildren Darcy & Louissa Chanin, and Mary, Grace, Todd, Sara & Kate Carolonza. He is predeceased by his brothers, Ronald and Robert Carolonza.

In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude's Children Hospital or Seton Hall Preparatory School would be appreciated.

For more information or to send condolences please visit: jacobhollefuneralhome.com