Obituary of Michael Tango

Michael "Mike" Tango, 96, of Washington, NJ, died peacefully on June 11, 2017 at home, with his family by his side.

Born on January 29, 1921 in Newark, NJ, Mike was the son of the late Peter Tango and and Mary (Smendry) Tango.

Following graduation from high school, Mike served in the Civilian Conservation Corps working on several projects in the western United States. In 1942, he enlisted in the US Navy and proudly served for six years as an Aviation Machinist Mate in the European and African theaters. In 1951, he married the love of his life Emily and they enjoyed 45 years together until her passing in 1996. Mike was employed at M&M Mars in Hackettstown NJ, and enjoyed competing on the company bowling and softball teams. He retired in 1986 after 32 years. Mike was "Red, White and Blue" to the core and immensely proud of the combined 53 years of military service of his daughter Marianne and son-in-law Brett. He will be remembered as a man who loved God, Family and Country. Mike was a parishioner of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church in Washington. He was also a life member of both American Legion Post 103 and VFW Post 6701. Mike's passions included spoiling his grandkids, traveling, enjoying brisk walks and rooting for the NY Yankees, even in the off years. Lastly, Mike loved to sing, and we will always remember his lively rendition of "Anchors Aweigh!"

He is survived by his loving daughter, Lt Col Marianne Tango Williams, USAF, Retired, and her husband Maj Gen Brett T. Williams, USAF, Retired, and his cherished grandchildren, Mikaela (Miki) K. Williams and 2Lt Sean Michael Williams, USAF, along with two nieces and their children and grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his devoted wife, Emily M. Tango, and his older sister, Anna Chudzey, and brother, John Tango.

A visitation will be held on Friday, June 16, 2017 from 7-9 PM at the Warren Hills Memorial Home, 234 W. Washington Ave, Washington, NJ 07882. A Mass of Christian burial will be held Saturday, June 17, 2017 at 11:00 AM at St. Josephs Roman Catholic Church, 200 Carlton Ave., Washington, NJ 07882. Interment will immediately follow the Mass at St. Joseph's Parish Cemetery in Washington, NJ.

Mike's family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the Home Instead Senior Care team in Washington, NJ, for almost 4 years of loving care and support of Dad.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Michael's name to St. Josephs Roman Catholic Church, 200 Carlton Ave., Washington, NJ 07882 or the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society to provide financial assistance to Sailors, Marines and their families (http://www.nmcrs.org/donate).

Arrangements have been entrusted to Warren Hills Memorial Home, 234 W. Washington Ave., Washington, NJ. To send an on-line condolence please visit www.warrenhillsmemorialhome.com