Anthonina Rhodes Obituary

Anthonina T. Rhodes, known affectionately as Nina, passed away peacefully with family by her side in the early hours of August 2, 2025. She was 93.

Nina was born on October 15, 1931, in Teaneck, NJ and lived in the state most of her life until recently heading down to sunny south Florida.

As the oldest of five siblings, her maternal instincts kicked in early on and were honed at a young age. She was a provider, a caregiver, a listener, a nurturer, a cook, and a protector. There was never anything too daunting, too difficult, or too arduous for Nina to tackle. She cared about her family above anyone else, especially herself.

She also was extremely proud of her career as a Library Assistant at the West New York Public Library where she worked for more than 33 years before retiring at 84 years young. She was passionate about her work, her colleagues, and supporting the community.

After a long and storied tenure in West New York, Nina was able to purchase her first home in Brick, NJ to live closer to some of her beloved family members.

Though her profession involved the meticulous cataloging of books and other media, her true vocation remained her family. Anyone who knew Nina – whether in passing or closely – was bound to be struck by her overwhelming kindness, tenderness, compassion, and warmth. Nina was a rare type of person who truly cared deeply about everyone around her.

Whether it was making her trademark sauce, meatballs, or chicken cutlets, or shipping brownies (with extra walnuts and chocolate chips) to her grandson, the secret ingredient in every one of Nina's dishes was always a heavy dose of love. Though it shouldn't be understated what a culinary whiz she was as well. Watching her intuitively cook by feel, instinct, and quick tastes was remarkable.

Whenever a new person would meet Nina, it was almost supernatural how quickly they became enamored with her. She just had an infectious spirit and kind-hearted demeanor that you can't fake or replicate. She was a genuinely good person.

One of the more underrated and impressive qualities Nina possessed was adaptability in the face of change or turmoil. Though she was always quick to deflect compliments or credit, she was an incredibly intelligent woman who built a life from humble beginnings. After becoming a widower in 1988, she lived on her own the rest of her life, taking care of herself (and others, of course) along the way. She not only learned but spearheaded new computer systems in the library and even as a nonagenarian, she was adept at texting on her iPhone, complete with her patented multiple heart emoji replies. (Which, by the way, she would strategically search for and pick the right type of heart to match the sentiment). She always eschewed praise or recognition, so she'd probably hate this paragraph but it's important to celebrate someone who always did so for everyone else.

Nina was tremendously proud of her sons and grandchildren, constantly touting their achievements and qualities and adorning herself and her apartment with reminders of good times they shared. She was an ideal mother and grandmother and she will be missed beyond measure.

Nina is predeceased by her mother and father, Charles and Edna Sganga; siblings Charles Sganga Jr., Marion Foca, and Joseph Sganga; and her loving husband of 36 years, James.

Nina is survived by her son Patrick and his wife Susan, son, James; three grandchildren, Nicholas, Gina, and Ashley; sister Charlotte Farrell, a dozen plus nieces and nephews; and a few very special godchildren.

In lieu of sending flowers to the funeral home, consider instead sending flowers to a loved one who is still with us. Nina loved receiving flowers and watching them bloom in her apartment. She would undoubtedly be delighted to know other people enjoyed something similar on her behalf. That's the type of person she was and will always be remembered as.

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