Anthony J. "A.J." Papavero Jr., 58, Funeral director and co-owner of Branchburg Funeral home in Branchburg, NJ passed surrounded by loved ones on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, NJ. A.J. fought vigorously with great strength over the last 11 months, continuously beating the odds stacked against him.

Born in Plainfield, NJ to his dear parents Anna Louise Bongiovi and the late, Anthony J. Papavero Sr., Anthony resided in Raritan borough for 33 years. During his Elementary school years, he attended St. Ann's School in Raritan. He later went on to attend Immaculata High School in Somerville, NJ, graduating with the class of 1984. Post high school graduation, he went on to attend Mercer County Community College where he began his coursework in Mortuary Science. A.J. finished out his degree at the American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service in New York, graduating in December of 1992.

A.J. pursued his vocation as a 4th and 5th generation licensed funeral director influenced by his grandfathers, his father, and mother at the Bongiovi Funeral Home in Raritan. He was licensed in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania serving hundreds of thousands of families throughout the duration of his career. A highly respected member of the Branchburg community, A.J. served his community alongside his younger brother, Jason C. Papavero.

During his career, he served as the President of the Middlesex & Somerset County Funeral Directors Association from 2007 to 2009. He was later appointed to the New Jersey State Board of Mortuary Science where he oversaw the beginning of many young funeral directors' careers; administering on-site practical exams for required licensure. Anthony was a proud member of the New Jersey State Funeral Directors Association and the National Funeral Directors Association, attending yearly conventions throughout the years. A.J was notoriously known by all who knew him for the compassion and comfort he offered to grieving families, ensuring each person felt like family during their most difficult time in life.

A.J. was a past member of the Branchburg Rotary Club, a member of the Somerville Elks Lodge 1068, and a member of the Knights of Columbus. In 8th grade, he received a literacy award from the state of New Jersey on his composition relating to his gratefulness to be an American.

A.J. was notoriously known for his infectious personality, bright smile, and irresistible laugh. He left a mark on every person he met. To know A.J. was to love him. He lived life to the fullest each and every day. His disposition on life was an inspiration to all. He truly was the life of the party.

An avid Studio 54 listener, A.J. loved to dance. He had a knack for throwing the best parties, ensuring each and every attendee had the best time. A.J. loved the beach, frequenting Wildwood, and Asbury Park. He loved to travel, especially to Aruba yearly where he always came back with new lifelong friends. A.J. was extremely passionate about holidays, with Christmas being his favorite. A.J.'s Christmas decorations lit up the street prompting many people to visit his house over the duration of December. His beautiful displays were captured and published in the paper over the span of many years. A.J. was always dressed to the nines, acquiring a large collection of designer brands and took pride in his Robert Graham shirt collection.

Above all his biggest pride and joy were his three children, Alexis, Serena and Nicholas Papavero. A.J. lived every moment of his life to be a great father. He did everything in his power to give his children all that the world could offer. He always found the time to share his love for his kids. AJ and his children loved spending quality time with each other. They frequently watched movies together, went on vacations, and took fun day trips to Coney Island and Dyker Heights to see the Christmas lights. Anything his kids wanted to do he wanted to be a part of, whether it was concerts, going out to dinner, or spending time with friends and his current boxers, Duke and Jackson and his late boxer, Max. He was a devoted son, father, brother, grandson, and uncle.

He is preceded in death by his loving paternal grandparents, Bartolomeo V. and Lucille DePiano Papavero; maternal grandparents Frances and Anthony C. Bongiovi Sr.; his beloved father, Anthony J. Papavero Sr., uncles Joseph Papavero Sr., Joseph Lasandro, Tony Imperato and aunt Autilia (DeDe) Lasandro.

Surviving are his devoted mother, Anna Louise Bongiovi of Raritan; his loving children, Alexis, Serena, and Nicholas Papavero of Branchburg; his brother, Jason C. Papavero of Somerville; his step mother Carmen (Tita) Alvarez Scovino Papavero of Branchburg; His nieces and nephews, Karli, Sydney, Ellie, and Luke Papavero; his maternal uncle, Anthony C. Bongiovi Jr., paternal aunts, Minna Imperato and Maryann Papavero, the mother of his children, Wendy Wilton of Branchburg; his former sister in-law Sandy Papavero of Somerville and many loving cousins, extended family and friends.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, June 27, 2024 and Friday, June 28, 2024 from 12pm-8pm at the Branchburg Funeral Home, 910 Rt. 202 South, Branchburg, NJ 08876.

It is the wishes of the family for those who will be in attendance Saturday, June 29, 2024, that you arrive early due to the large crowd expected and the prompt 11am funeral mass ceremony at St. Ann's Church 45 Anderson Street, Raritan, NJ 08869.

Entombment to follow at St. Bernard Cemetery & Mausoleum in Bridgewater, NJ.

Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers in A.J.'s memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

"Always and Forever In Our Hearts"

**Additional parking with shuttle transport will be available throughout the visitation hours at two locations**

**Shuttle between visitation hours Thursday and Friday**

1. Creme de la Creme - 794 US-202, Bridgewater, NJ 08807

2. Mia Sorella 202 - 793 US 202 North Bridgewater, NJ 08807

3. Branchburg Park & Ride (directly across the street from funeral home on 202 North)