Obituary: Anthony J. Pace, 85, Of Ridgefield

Information and Photo Courtesy Bouton Funeral Home

RIDGEFIELD, CT — Anthony J. Pace, a successful Wall Street executive, loving husband, and father of three sons, passed away in his sleep at the age of 85. Born on May 13, 1937, in Brooklyn, NY, he was the son of the late Anthony Passalacqua and Florence Passalacqua. Anthony was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother.

After graduating from Hempstead High School on Long Island, Anthony attended St. Bonaventure University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry. He then served four years in the US Army and was an officer in the 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade. Soon after, he worked for Shell Chemical before embarking on his career in the finance industry. Anthony went on to become an institutional broker at First Boston and then a partner at Bear Stearns, where he took on the roles of both an institutional and private equity broker. In 1987, he founded the brokerage firm AJ Pace & Co., where he ran a hedge fund for over 25 years. Anthony was a passionate and dynamic personality who always pursued his interests with intellect, fervor, and devotion.

Anthony lived most of his life in Lloyd Harbor, NY, where he raised his family and created beautiful, serene gardens and landscapes that he enjoyed with his wife Claire, whom he loved dearly. In his later years, he and Claire lived in Ridgefield, where he continued to enjoy his hobbies and interests. He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Claire Lucille Pace, whom he married in 1964.

Anthony was a devoted father to his three sons, Bradley Pace of Celebration, FL, Adrian Pace (Jenny Pace) of Westport, CT, and Jonathan Pace (Amber Pace) of Shelton, CT. He was a cherished grandfather to his six grandchildren, who will always remember his love, guidance, sense of humor, and kindness. He is also survived by his brother, Raymond Pace, with whom he was very close.

Anthony had a diverse range of interests and gifts. He was a talented pianist who had a special affinity for jazz music. He was also a passionate cook who loved to experiment with new recipes and pair them with his extensive knowledge of fine wines. Anthony loved spending time on holidays with his family at his vacation home at the Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, FL. He spent over 30 years there, making and sharing memories with family and friends, playing golf, cooking freshly caught fish for dinner, and enjoying his wife Claire's homemade key lime pie and desserts.

On Long Island, his garden was his favorite hobby and his pride and joy, and he spent countless hours hybridizing daylilies, creating gorgeous landscapes, and tending to its beauty and abundance. Anthony will be remembered for his passion, energy, and zest for life, and his memory will live on through all those who knew him. His family will always cherish the countless happy memories they shared with him, and he will be deeply missed. May he rest in peace.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, April 21, 2023 from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. in the Bouton Funeral Home, 31 West Church St. Georgetown (Wilton). A Mass of Christian burial will follow in St. Patrick Church, 169 Black Rock Tnpk, Redding, 06896