Thomas Cannizzo

Mr. Thomas L. Cannizzo (92), of Livingston, NJ, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 17, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Visiting will be held at the Dancy Funeral Home, 9 Smull Avenue, Caldwell, on Wednesday, August 19, 2026 from 6 PM to 8 PM. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Family Church in Florham Park on Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 9:30 AM. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover.

Born and raised in Orange, NJ, Tom proudly served in the United States Army before returning home and beginning a long and distinguished career with the Orange Fire Department. He devoted many years to serving his hometown as a firefighter before retiring in 1992.

In 1956, Tom married the love of his life, Rita, and together they made their home in Livingston, where they raised their family and shared nearly 70 wonderful years of marriage. Tom was a devoted husband and treasured the life they built together. He and Rita enjoyed traveling and made many memorable trips to Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and the Caribbean Islands.

Tom loved being surrounded by family and friends. He looked forward to Sunday dinners, enjoyed sitting down for coffee with his friends, and took great pride and joy in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His family was always at the center of his life.

Tom was not one to sit still after retirement. He went on to work for the Livingston Board of Education, driving school buses for special education students. He especially loved the children he had the privilege of driving and the relationships he developed with them. For Tom, this was much more than a job; it was another opportunity to serve others and make a difference in the lives of the children he encountered. He continued driving for many years and cherished that time.

Tom will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his commitment to serving his community, his friendships, and his generous spirit. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories that will be treasured by all who knew and loved him. He was predeceased by his brother, August Cannizzo, and sister-in-law, Josephine Cannizzo.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Rita (nee Crialese) Cannizzo; his children, James Cannizzo (Mary), LuAnn Peters (Gary), and Thomas Cannizzo (Liliana); grandchildren, Marissa Peters (Ryan Powell), Daniel Cannizzo, Thomas Cannizzo, Analisa Cannizzo, Jamie Cannizzo, Thomas Joseph Cannizzo, and Susan Cannizzo; great-granddaughter, Carson Herlihy; and sister, Rosemarie Belott (William).

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mr. Cannizzo’s memory to the Livingston Fire Department, 62 S. Livingston Avenue, Livingston, NJ 07039, or the Livingston First Aid Squad, 50 S. Livingston Avenue, Livingston, NJ 07039, would be greatly appreciated. Memories and condolences may be shared on his obituary page at dancyfuneralhome.com.

May Tom’s memory live on through the family he loved so dearly, the friends he cherished, and the community he proudly served.