Matteo I. Magnone, Esq., 82, of Old Bridge, entered into eternal rest on Monday, November 11, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Matteo was the second son of the late Frances and Vincent Magnone. A man of intellect and determination, he graduated from New Utrecht High School and went on to earn his undergraduate degree from St. John’s University, a law degree from Brooklyn Law School, and a Master of Law Degree from NYU Graduate School of Law.

Matteo’s legal career was distinguished and inspiring. In 1971, he began his public service as a senior trial attorney with the federal government. His dedication and legal acumen culminated in his appointment as District Counsel Chief Legal Officer for the Internal Revenue Service for the State of New Jersey, a position he held with honor from 1985 until his retirement in 2000.

Post-retirement, he was highly sought after. He continued to lend his expertise as a senior legal manager in the tax division of Ernst & Young.

Teaching was another of Matteo’s great passions. From 1993 until 2022, he served as an esteemed professor at Seton Hall School of Law, where he taught tax law with clarity, wit, and an unmatched depth of knowledge. His impact on generations of students was profound, fostering a commitment to excellence and respect of the law.

Even amid his distinguished career, Matteo remained grounded in his roots. Every Saturday, he returned to Brooklyn to lend his talents to his lifelong friend, Thomas Verdilo, at Tommaso’s Italian Restaurant. Business was handled first, but was always followed by the camaraderie of a shared meal, wine, and conversation among their many friends.

A lifelong Yankees fan, Matteo’s passion for baseball was legendary. As a season ticket holder for many years, he relished attending games and discussing the finer points of the sport. His love for the team was evident in the memorabilia that adorned the walls of his home and office, each piece a cherished reminder of the game he held dear.

Above all, Matteo was a devoted father and beloved Pop-Pop. He lived a life of selflessness and unwavering dedication to his family. No sacrifice was too great for the people he loved, and his happiest moments were spent in their company—whether celebrating milestones, gathering for holidays, or enjoying cherished Wednesday night dinners. His greatest wish was simply to be surrounded by those he held close.

Matteo was predeceased by his wife, Anne Magnone; his brother, Gabriel Magnone; and his son-in-law, Billy Card.

He is survived by his loving children: Stephanie Magnone of Old Bridge; Matthew Magnone and his wife Laura of Succasunna; and Erica Magnone Card of Old Bridge. He is also survived by his loving significant other, Irene Stamation of Franklin Square, NY;  his brother, Vincent Magnone, and his adored grandchildren: William Matthew, Mackenzie Anne, Addison Anne, Vivianna, and Carmine.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 14, from 2–4 p.m. and 7–9 p.m. at Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 S. Holmdel Road, Holmdel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, November 15, at 11 a.m. at Most Holy Redeemer Roman Catholic Church, 133 Amboy Road, Matawan. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Staten Island.

In lieu of flowers, Matteo’s family gratefully requests that donations be made in his memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.

To share a message of condolence or a treasured memory of Matteo, please visit his online tribute page at www.holmdelfuneralhome.com.