Hackensack Meridian Health Raritan Bay Medical Center Recognizes Antonio Paone For 30 Year Milestone

Hackensack Meridian Health Raritan Bay Medical Center recognizes Antonio Paone for hitting his 30 year milestone with the organization. Antonio started as a housekeeper and worked his way up to manager of respiratory therapy.

“I was born in this building in 1972, and as a boy I used to walk by here with my friends, on our way to play baseball. I’d look up and think, ‘Wow, that’s a big building,” said Antonio.

Antonio started as an 18-year-old graduate of Perth Amboy High School, mopping floors and cleaning bathrooms. While he was there, he caught the eye of a superior who wasn’t in his department. About 11 months into his first job, Antonio was approached by the director of respiratory therapy.

“He asked if I had applied for an opening as a respiratory therapy technician,” Antonio recalls. “Back then you didn’t need additional schooling or licensing, just additional training. So I asked him if I could take 24 hours to think about it.”

Over the years, Antonio took and passed board exams for respiratory therapy in the neonatal, pulmonary testing and adult critical care disciplines. In 2016, he went back online to Independence University and earned a bachelor’s of science with a focus on management. The young man who once mopped floors now trains medical and health care personnel in a respiratory care.

In 2016, Antonio received the hospital’s Bob Hoyt Award, given annually to the Raritan Bay team member who most exemplifies compassion in patient care. On June 2, 2018, Antonio received another acknowledgement of his work when he was promoted to manager. It was a dream come true. Throughout his journey, his wife Yesenia has encouraged him along his paths and his three children.

“Raritan Bay Medical Center has always felt like a family to me, said Antonio. “As one of the leading hospitals in the area, I am proud to be making a difference for the past thirty years, and beyond.”

For more information about the Raritan Bay Medical Center Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program, please visit: https://www.rbmc.org/pulmonary-rehabilitation/