Arthur Astorino

Arthur Astorino, age 88 years, of Raritan Township, NJ, died on Saturday, November 1, 2014 in the Kindred Hospital, Westminster, CA.

Born on October 11, 1926, son of the late Francis and Nell Greco Astorino, he had formerly lived in Raritan Township, NJ before moving to Laguna Hills, CA.

Art was a graduate of Upsala College, Bloomfield, NJ

He was a United States Navy veteran of World War II.

Art lived and raised his young family in Cedar Grove, NJ for 25 years. He was an active member there in the local chapter of the Lions Club. and an active parishioner of St. Catherine of Siena Church were he was the organist and a Lector.

Art moved to Cherry Hill, NJ in 1976 before settling in Flemington, NJ in 1990. He was a very active and well beloved parishioner of St. Magdalen de Pazzi Church. Art and his wife Jo decorated the church with their talents: her sewing and his carpentry. Art was St. Magdalen's Cemetery & Mausoleum director for many years. Art was very involved with the parish life of the church, praying the rosary before daily mass and providing beautiful piano music for K of C events, the homebound and residents of Hunterdon Care Center in Flemington. He was a Eucharistic Minister and also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

In his professional life, Art was a salesman for a number of Art Supply companies. He developed the first water soluble and commercially available process for 'screen-printing'. He is most known and remembered, however, for his love of music, inspired by his mother, Nell, at age 7. He passionately pursued piano, taking private Jazz lessons in New York in his teens. Art became an accomplished and gifted jazz pianist. In earlier years, he played many 'club dates' and always filled his families' home with song. In his later years he composed music for his beloved wife, Jo. His beautiful music echoes in the hearts of all who have been blessed to hear it.

This faith-filled man lived life to it’s fullest. He was the most loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He was a true gentleman. His artistic talents, beautiful mind and compassionate soul were gifts to those he loved. All who came in contact with Art left his presence a richer person. He truly embodied "Faith, Hope and Love" and was a beautiful witness of these to the very end.

The image Art left for us in his composition, “Love Comes Only One Time”, provides a comforting memory for his family and friends as it closes with the image of Art rejoining his beloved wife Jo in Heaven:

"and when we meet again in heaven, we'll smile, and we'll say...Well Done!"

God Bless You, Dad. ‘Well Done’.

Art passed peacefully in the presence of his children and grandchildren, to their prayer and song, and with their unending love.

Art was predeceased by his beloved wife Josephine D'Addario Astorino of 60 years.

Art is the loving father of 5 children. He is survived by:

Gail Ziegenfuss (wife of Lawrence Drew Ziegenfuss), Ellen Moretti (wife of Richard Moretti), Dr. Arthur Astorino, Jr., (husband of Dr. Polly McKinstry), Stephen Astorino, Patti Cucci, (wife of Peter Cucci). He was the proud grandfather of 9 Grandchildren: Gina Moretti, Stephanie Moretti-Nelson, Troy and Casey Astorino, Dominique and Michael Astorino, Peter Kometa and Samantha and David Cucci. He was also the devoted brother in law to Rose Astorino, Jeanette Piontek and Angela Litts and beloved uncle to many wonderful nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, November 17, 2014 at 10 AM in St. Magdalen Church, 105 Mine Street, Flemington, NJ. Entombment will be in St. Magdalen Mausoleum. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, November 16, 2014 from 2-6 PM in the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sisters of Jesus Our Hope, 83 Bonnell Street, Flemington, NJ, 08822, or to St. Magdalen Church for the Perpetual Adoration Chapel, 105 Mine Street, Flemington, NJ 08822.

Please visit www.holcombefisher.com for further information, or to send condolences.