Natale Gerald Conti, 88, passed away peacefully on November 8th, 2025, in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, with his loving wife, Linda Conti, by his side.

Nat was born in Summit, New Jersey, on July 14, 1937, to the late Gerald and Beatrice Conti. Growing up alongside his sister Georgi, Nat, fondly nick-named “Natty-boy,” lived a childhood full of adventure, creativity and a spark of playful mischief. He shared a deeply special bond with his grandfather, Tony Conti, a proud immigrant from Italy. Nat honored that relationship throughout his life, creating similar close connections with his own grandchildren in his later years.

From a young age, Nat joined his father in the construction business. In 1959, he officially founded Conti Construction Company, and through relentless hard work and vision, grew the business to new heights, building much of the key infrastructure across New Jersey, as well as many beautifully detailed and award-winning homes in his signature style. Those who worked with Nat were positively influenced by his work ethic, obsession with quality, artistic vision and ability to execute as a team. 

Nat was a man with a big sense of generosity, community and family. He raised four children in New Providence, where he mentored youths in town and developed Murray Hill Square, a historical outdoor town center. He was “Poppy” not only to his grandchildren, but also to many others. He shared his love of adventure with all family and friends around him. Whether hosting unforgettable vacations in Bermuda, gifting hundreds of trees during his annual Christmas Tree Hunt, or throwing legendary costume parties, Nat lived large and loved to surprise people. One vivid memory that sums up Nat is watching him cartwheel on the crowded sidewalks of New York City, despite him poking fun at himself for his short and stout physique. He always had something to prove and so he did.

Nat had a larger-than-life personality, but a key part of his magic was his ability to embrace his imagination and create. He was a spectacular storyteller; you couldn’t help imagining yourself in the scene of that story based on the amazing detail in which it was described.  Some of his stories could be hard to believe, but if you were lucky enough to be a part of one, you knew they were in fact true. His Nat-isms are a coined language – many reuse his sayings, such as “my back teeth are floating,” “you worry too much,” or “rowach!”  After meeting Nat Conti, you could not help remembering him and everyone has a memory to share.  He was one-of-a-kind force, a true artist, and will be greatly missed by all. 

Nat is predeceased by sister and grandson, Cameron Olson. He is survived by his wife, Linda Conti; his children, Kurt (Gina), Kecia (Jay), Kristen (Royal), and Kyle (Carla); his grandchildren, Austin, Brooke, Hunter, Brandon, Cody, Nolan, and Nathaniel; and his great-grandchildren, Christian, Francis, and Wesley. He is also survived by his step-children, Angela (Brian) and Toni Ann (Mike), and step-grandchildren, Aimon, Jude, Evie-Lynn, Ronan, and Avery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cameron Elliot Olson Foundation https://www.cameronolsonfoundation.org/. 

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 from 2pm - 8pm at Gallaway & Crane Funeral home in Basking Ridge, NJ