Anthony Michael LaPorta

Anthony LaPorta, a 38 year resident of Westfield, NJ passed away Saturday, April 19, 2025 at the age of 69.

Tony was born to Peter and Rose LaPorta on February 28, 1956 in Elizabeth, NJ where he was raised for 9 years until he moved to Linden, NJ in 1965. He built up a close group of friends in Linden, many of whom would go on to become lifelong friends. After graduating from Linden High School in 1974, Tony enrolled at Rider University in Lawrence Township, NJ where he studied finance. After graduating in 1978, he entered the marine insurance industry working as an underwriter in New York City—the greatest city in the world as he was fond of saying—for the entirety of his career, the bulk of which was spent at the St. Paul Insurance Co. Throughout his career he earned promotions into management, proving himself a capable and effective leader. Respected in the industry and known for his gregarious personality, Tony built strong and lasting friendships that he cherished throughout his retirement years.

In 1988, Tony married the love of his life Stephanie at Holy Trinity Church in Westfield. As he settled into town with his growing family he became involved in Westfield politics, becoming the first Democrat from the 1st ward elected to the Town Council in Westfield history. After his time on the Council, Tony remained involved in Town administration as a member of the Planning Board for a number of years. After retiring from marine insurance in 2015 Tony continued his involvement in public service by joining the Rotary Club of Westfield where he was on the Board of Directors for several years and served both as Club President and Chairman of the Foundation Board.

In addition to Tony’s public and professional accomplishments, he had many personal interests, ranging from American history and the New York Yankees to antique cars and big band music. Tony also had a great love for the beach and the Jersey Shore in particular, where he first met Stephanie, and where he traveled with family and friends almost every weekend in the summer months. When not at the Shore, he could be found up at Cape Cod or Martha’s Vineyard, living the easy life. Throughout it all, Tony was guided by his Catholic faith, drawing strength and solace from the Gospels.

Ultimately, for all the success Tony found in life, he felt—in his own words—that “By far and wide my greatest achievement was finding the perfect wife, Stephanie, and having two wonderful children, Zachary and Valerie. I have achieved so much in life, however if I did not have my family, everything else would have no meaning.” Tony is survived by his wife Stephanie, children Zachary and Valerie, and his many close and beloved friends and family members.

Visitation will be held at Higgins and Bonner Echo Lake Funeral Home, 582 Springfield Ave Westfield, NJ on Monday, April 28 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.from the funeral home, and burial will follow at Rosedale Cemetery in Linden, NJ.