Obituary of Albert Bottoni

Albert (Pop's, Alfie) Bottoni, 79, died peacefully Monday morning at Princeton Medical Center. Albert was a loving husband, father and grandfather. His joy in life was being with his family and friends at all times. He was predeceased by his parents, Natale and Santina Colatosti Bottoni; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Romeo and Santina Stirpe Quansi; and his brother Amato Bottoni. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Theresa Quansi Bottoni, his sons, Robert Bottoni, Dino Bottoni and his wife Rosa, Anthony Bottoni, his daughter Sandra Ciccone, eight grandchildren, Andrea, Erica, Theresa, Daniela and Stephanie Bottoni, Olivia Kellow and Alyssa and Michael Ciccone, his bother Louis Bottoni and his wife Alida, his sister-in-law Ann Bottoni, as well as many nephews, nieces, cousins, family and friends in New Jersey, Florida and Italy. Albert left Italy in 1946 and arrived in Jamaica, Queens, NY at the age of 16. He worked in construction until meeting and marrying his true soul-mate, Theresa, on January 25, 1953 in Trenton, NJ. He and Theresa took over the Food Center on Princeton Avenue, Trenton, which was started by Theresa's father, Romeo Quansi. The business prospered and in 1971 he sold the Food Center. He and Theresa purchased the Jack N Jill Deli in Lawrenceville in 1972 and changed the name to the Lawrenceville Deli. He created a home away from home for many of his customers, who became his lifelong friends. He, along with his family, enjoyed many happy years there. He sold the business in 2003 and retired. He enjoyed traveling with his wife and family. He made many trips to his homeland, Italy, which was always in his heart. Albert was an avid sports fan and enjoyed soccer and the New York Yankees. He sponsored many local athletic teams. He coached baseball in the North Trenton Little League. He was an accomplished bowler and won many local and state titles. He also enjoyed playing the harmonica and would often entertain family and friends. He also loved attending his children's, and grandchildren's many athletic games, hot dog in hand, of course. Albert belonged to the Lawrence Italian Civic Association, he was a Trustee for the Societa Napolitana, and also was a member of the Societa Romana and the Saint Anthony's Society in Elmont, NY. He spent winters along with Theresa at their home in Hillsboro Beach, Florida. He enjoyed playing bocce, cards, and was always ready to help out his family and many friends. Albert will always be remembered for his generosity, his love of his family and friends and for touching so many lives with his unique and fun loving ways. The funeral will be held on Thursday at 8:30 AM at Poulson & Van Hise Funeral Directors, 650 Lawrence Road, Lawrenceville, NJ. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at The Church of St. Ann at 10:00 AM. Entombment will be in Our Lady of Lourdes Mausoleum, Hamilton Township, NJ. Family and friends may call from 5 to 9 PM on Wednesday at the Funeral Home. For directions or to send a condolence go to www.poulsonvanhise.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Church of St. Ann, Faith Development Center, 1253 Lawrence Road, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 or to St. James Church, 29 East Paul Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08638.