Anthony Bongiovi handled the funeral arrangements for John Basilone who was buried at Arlington National Cemetary on April 20th, 1948 Passage below is taken from the book Raritan's Hero - The John Basilone Story

In 1948, the U.S. Government started to move the bodies of the soldiers killed at Iwo Jima to a final resting place in the U.S. . The government contacted the Basilone family about the arrangements. The family had a choice, John could be buried at Arlington National Cemetery just outside Washington D.C. or locally. The family needed a funeral director to help with the arrangements, so they turned to Anthony Bongiovi, who was partner at the Conroy-Bongiovi funeral home which had opened in 1944 on Somerset Street in Raritan. At first, John’s mother Dora wanted John to be buried close to home, but funeral director Bongiovi told her of the honor that it was to have a soldier, especially one of John’s accomplishments, to be buried at the patriotic Arlington National Cemetery. So the family chose Arlington. Funeral director Anthony Bongiovi then coordinated the details of the service between the family and the government. Father Russo would be present and say a prayer. The day of the funeral, April 20th, 1945, a limousine was driven by police chief Lorenzo Rossi, who, like the Bongiovi Funeral Home, had volunteered his time for the long day ahead. In the front seat of the limo sat Father Russo, in the back was Salvatore and Dora, along with John’s sister Mary. Several other cars carried John’s remaining brothers and sisters. Some residents of Raritan attended as well. They included John’s old boss Alfred Gaburo, Raritan Mayor Rocco Miele, and future mayor Steve Del Rocco. They all followed the limo on the four hour drive to Arlington, Virginia. Everyone on the trip had expected a small, simple funeral. When they arrived, they were amazed. First, they were picked up from their vehicles and driven in jeeps to the grave site. There they saw dozens of military dignitaries, a Marine Band, and uniformed soldiers who would fire a gun salute. It was a most impressive, inspiring service, a true tribute to an unselfish hero. Father Russo blessed the casket. An American Flag had first covered the coffin, and then as is customary, it was later taken off, folded up, and given to the Basilone family. Anthony Bongiovi, now 93, said the funeral was simply unbelievable. He recalls that it was during the playing of Taps (the military tribute song played at funerals) that everyone became emotional. The family and friends all drove back the same day.