Chief Anthony J. "Tony" Parenti
"Tony" Parenti
1923 to 2019
In 2019 the NJPTOA sadly lost its founding father with the passing of Executive Director Chief Anthony J. Parenti (Ret.). A life well-lived in public service.
Chief Parenti passed away at Overlook Hospital surrounded by his family on Thursday, August 1, 2019.
Chief Parenti was born on May 29th in Plainfield, NJ. He was the son of the late Anthony and Josephine (Miele) Parenti. He was predeceased by his brothers, Dominic and Robert, and his sister, Carmela. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Louise.
Tony served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict from 1951 to 1955, receiving an Honorable Discharge.
Tony began his law enforcement career with the Plainfield Police Department before joining the Fanwood Police Department, where he rose to become the youngest chief of police in the State of New Jersey. While serving as a patrolman, he earned his degree from Rutgers University—a testament to his dedication to both service and self-improvement.
In 1974, Tony founded the New Jersey Police Traffic Officers Association, serving as its president for 31 years. After stepping down as president in 2005, he was appointed as the association's first executive director, serving in that position until his passing in 2019.
Tony was a tireless advocate for traffic safety legislation at both the state and federal levels. Among his most notable achievements was his instrumental role in the passage of New Jersey's Right Turn on Red law, a reform that improved traffic flow and safety across the state.
A distinguished expert marksman, Tony competed in pistol matches throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, achieving perfect scores of 300 on multiple occasions—a reflection of the precision and discipline he brought to everything he did.
Tony served as past president of the Union County Chiefs of Police and past president of the New Jersey State Police Chiefs Association, earning the respect and admiration of his peers throughout his distinguished career.
Tony dedicated 43 years of service to the Fanwood Police Department. Beyond his law enforcement duties, he served as director of training for hundreds of officers, shaping the next generation of New Jersey's finest. He also served two terms on the Fanwood Town Council, continuing his commitment to his community long after his retirement from the force.
The Courier News published Tony's weekly "Drive Time" column for over a decade, bringing traffic safety awareness and practical guidance to readers throughout Central New Jersey.
Tony received numerous commendations for bravery and leadership throughout his career. He was also a past president of the New Jersey Standardbred Breeders Association, having served on its board for 21 years—14 of them as president. He had a deep love for horses, and those who knew him well also knew his fondness for Texas Wieners, The Honeymooners, and Columbo.
Survivors
Tony is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Sally, and their three children: Nancy Fela Parenti; North Plainfield Police Chief William "Bill" Parenti (Eileen); and Somerset County Assistant Prosecutor Anthony J. Parenti, Jr. (Judy); and his nine grandchildren: Daniel (fiancé Nikki), Michael (Rachel), Danielle (fiancé Andrew), William, Bryan, Anthony, and Joseph (fiancé Shahnda), Sarah, and Matthew; and his three great-grandchildren: Luke, Alexandra, and 1-week-old Virginia; and his many nieces and nephews.
"Tony will be remembered as a good father, a loyal friend, and an inspiration to all he met. The consummate breaker of chops—if he didn't like you, you knew it, but he would be merciful. If he liked you, you knew it too, but there still was no mercy."