Owner of Jimmy Buff's has passed

Thomas Buff Racioppi
RACIOPPI Thomas Buff Racioppi Co-owned Jimmy Buffs hotdog chain, 74 Thomas Anthony Buff Racioppi, 74, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2006, at his home in Toms River. Born in Newark, he lived in Short Hills and Holmdel before moving to Toms River 10 years ago. Mr. Racioppi, along with his brother Michael, operated Jimmy Buffs Hotdog chain, starting with the original location at 9th Street and 14th Avenue in Newark. They eventually opened seven other locations throughout New Jersey. He retired in 1979 and spent most of his winters in Marco Island, Fla. with his wife, Theresa (nee Rizzo). Mr. Racioppi enjoyed playing cards, savoring his cigars, swimming and shelling the beaches of Marco Island. He was predeceased by his first wife, Constance and is survived by his daughter, Marieelaina Villani and her husband, Prisco; his son, James and his wife, Lauren, and stepson, Wayne Cesaro and his wife, Catherine; grandfather of 10 and greatgrandfather of one. He is also survived by his brother, Michael and his wife, Lucille. Funeral will be from the Galante Funeral Home, 2800 Morris Ave., Union on Tuesday at 8 a.m. Funeral Mass at St. Rose of Lima Church in East Hanover at 10 a.m. Interment Gate of Heaven in East Hanover. Visitation will be Monday from 2 to 8 p.m.
Published in the Star-Ledger from 8/27/2006 - 8/28/2006.