Anthony "Mr. T" Tedesco, 82

Montgomery School Teacher for 40 Years

November 5, 1942  -  July 1, 2025

Anthony Richard Tedesco (Tony) died peacefully at his home in Hopewell, NJ, on July 1, 2025 - just hours after celebrating his 51st wedding anniversary with his beloved wife Kathleen. He was 82.

Throughout his life, he was known as an exemplary educator, knowledgeable coach, and trusted friend. But his most cherished roles were those of a devoted husband to Kathleen Tedesco, loving father to Kristin Tedesco, Michael (Alison) Tedesco, and Elizabeth (Chris) Badger, and proud grandfather to William, Andrew, and Clare Tedesco and Erin, Molly, and Audrey Badger.

Tony was born on November 5, 1942 to the late Anthony and Sara Tedesco and grew up in Newark, NJ alongside his younger brothers, Jim and John Tedesco. He earned his bachelor's degree from Seton Hall University and remained a lifelong fan of the Pirates, often listening to their basketball games on WSOU on his car radio from his driveway in the dead of winter.

After college he took a job as a teacher in the Montgomery School District at Orchard Road School, where he remained for 40 years. “Mr. T” was a favorite teacher at the school. His creative education methods and storytelling are well known to the countless students and co-workers that he influenced during his decades on the job.

It was at Orchard Road School that Tony became smitten with another teacher named Kathleen Stonaker. Eventually winning her over with his charm, the two were married on June 30, 1974.

Kathleen was the love of his life, and their devotion to one another was plain for anyone to see. They settled down in the Hopewell home where he resided until his death. It was there that they raised Kristin, Michael, and Beth. Tony was always there for his children — coaching their sports teams, suffering through a Nirvana concert they wanted to attend, driving them to an early-morning flight at the airport, or providing them with anything else they needed. In his later years he loved spending time with his grandchildren, who adored their Pop-Pop.

While Tony would put on an outwardly gruff personality, it was quickly apparent to those that he met that it was just an act — he was playful, quick witted, and would do anything he could to help others. He enjoyed the simpler things in life, including grilling for his family, going to the beach and boardwalk arcade, playing card games with friends, and trivia such as crossword puzzles and Jeopardy. He enjoyed watching and discussing all sports, and would have in-depth conversions about Notre Dame women’s basketball and football recruiting with anyone who would listen. Most of all he loved spending time with his family. He will be deeply missed.

A mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Hopewell, where he was a long-time parishioner. Burial followed at Highland Cemetery.

Condolences are welcomed at www.wilsonapple.com.

Memorial donations may be made in Tony’s name to the Arthritis Foundation (www.arthritis.org), a cause close to his heart as he lived with rheumatoid arthritis for many years, or The Chubby’s Project (www.thechubbysproject.org), a local Hopewell organization.