Anthony Stewart Neusch, a longtime Closter resident and U.S. Army veteran whose devotion to family, church and country was well-known throughout the community, passed away on Oct. 28, 2023 after an unexpected illness. He was 83 years old.

Tony is survived by his children and their spouses, Lucy and Farrell Kramer, Charles and Michele Neusch, Anthony Joseph and Shannon Neusch, John Neusch and his partner Lisa Sequeira, and James and Susan Neusch, and their children and grandchildren; his brother, Peter Neusch; and his partner, Roseann Lee. He was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Mary Neusch, and his parents, Charles and Virginia Neusch.

Tony was born in the Bronx, N.Y. on Feb. 7, 1940 and throughout his life remained an avid Yankees fan. When he was a year old, the family relocated to Dumont. With the exception of military service, Tony would live in Bergen County for the rest of his years.

Tony and his brother were active in the Boy Scouts and a variety of sports growing up. They never tired of sports and were enthusiastic fans not only of the Yankees but the Giants, Knicks and Rangers, and could often be heard discussing their triumphs and travails. Tony went on to St. Peter's University, where he ran track and cross country as well as participating in ROTC. He remained an avid runner and walker and was often seen by Closter residents putting in his miles in the borough's public parks.

During his high school years, Tony met his future wife, Mary O'Connell, and they married on Nov. 10, 1962. Shortly after, Tony began his Army service as an officer in the Signal Corps, and he and his new bride soon set off for training in rural Georgia. Tony's military service eventually took him to South Korea and he rose to rank of captain.

Upon returning to civilian life, Tony settled in Closter. He followed in his father's footsteps to begin a career at New York Telephone, which became Bell Atlantic, where he worked in finance for his entire career. He completed his MBA at New York University's Stern School of Business at night while working and raising his young family.

Tony was extremely active in the Closter community. He was a longtime parishioner of St. Mary's Church, serving in a variety of roles including Parish Council President, Eucharistic Minister and longtime member of the Finance Committee. He was a volunteer coach for a number of Closter Recreation and St. Mary's youth sports teams and served as Vice President of the Closter Board of Health for several years.

In 1997, Tony retired from Bell Atlantic, now known as Verizon, and continued to contribute to the community as his children grew to adulthood and raised children of their own. The family always remained in contact, often returning to Tony's Closter home to visit. During this period, Tony met Roseann Lee and the two remained close during the balance of his life.

A wake will be held for Tony from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Oct. 29 at Moritz Funeral Home in Closter. A funeral mass is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Oct. 30 at St. Mary's Church in Closter. The family requests donations to St. Mary's in lieu of flowers.