Obituary of Frederick G DeMeo

Frederick “Freddy” DeMeo, 87 passed away peacefully on April 14, 2024.

Born in Orange, he resided in West Orange, NJ for most of his life before settling in Toms River, NJ over 20 years ago with his beloved late wife Beverly DeMeo.  

A veteran of the United States Army he honorably served his country from 1954-1956.   He worked at the Essex County Department of Corrections and retired after 25 years.   Freddy’s next venture lead him to owning and operating the Wagon Wheel Luncheonette in West Orange cooking side by side with his son Tony.  Freddy and his wife Beverly served a good meal, entertained their loyal customers, had lots of laughs and danced to the “oldies.”   He had a passion for cooking and did so right up until he entered into eternal life.   

Freddy loved the outdoors.  In his younger years he enjoyed gardening, fishing, hunting and could be found “tinkering” in his garage trying to create a project.  He loved taking trips to Atlantic City to play poker and often headed to the boardwalk to sit on a bench to watch the waves crash while enjoying a Kohr’s ice-cream cone.    More than anything else, Freddy loved his family and he loved life.   He enjoyed the holidays and enjoyed preparing for them by cooking, baking, and listening to his favorites on the radio “Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Engelbert Humperdinck, Louie Prima, etc.” 

He was predeceased by his beloved wife Beverly DeMeo, his granddaughter Marissa  Menza, his parents Antonio DeMeo and Arlena DeMeo.  His sister Francis Recchia and his brother Leonard DeMeo. 

Surviving is his brother Anthony (“Popeye”) DeMeo.  His loving children Arlene Menza, Anthony (“Tony”) DeMeo, Ann Vitiello and her husband Vincent Vitiello.   His grandchildren Gabrielle DeMeo, Anthony DeMeo, Joseph DeMeo, Joelle Menza, Gerard Varanelli, Anthony Varanelli and Anthony Vitiello. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. stjude.org/memorial

Visiting will be held on Friday April 19, 2024 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Dangler Funeral Home of West Orange, 340 Main Street in West Orange.

A Funeral Mass will be offered on Saturday April 20, 2024 at 10:00AM at Our LAdy of Lourdes Church, 1 Eagle Rock Ave., West Orange.

Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover , with Military Honors graveside.