Antonio Frank Coronato

Born in Macchia Valfortore in the Region of Campbasso, Abruzzi, Italy, Tony had aspirations to come to the land where all dreams can come true, the United States of America. His experiences during World War II and the German occupation inspired him to create a better life for himself and his family. At a young age during his adolescence, he boarded a ship to take him from his motherland to a new life of opportunities. Excitement and wonder was in his eyes as he left home to join his father and start a new life.

He was a very talented tailor and had a keen sense of fashion even at his young age. He kept his promise to self and built his career as a tailor working for several years at JC Penney’s and Phelps Terkel. He expanded his professional skills leading to ownership of one of the finest men’s and women’s Italian suit stores in Palo Alto, California: Coronato Clothiers. Blending his impeccable taste with his career choice meant he was one of the finest dressed men in Northern California. Tony was a handsome and charming man who was quite the catch according to the ladies!

Always pushing to be the best was threaded throughout Tony’s professional life and his personal life. He had a beautiful voice and sang in an Italian band in the San Jose area. Wherever he went he was asked to sing one of the many traditional romantic Italian songs which he did so wholeheartedly. It was a rare day when one did not hear him crooning an Italian love song from somewhere in his home. He loved to be near the water. His cabin cruiser was seen out on the bay every weekend. Back at the dock, friends gathered in the evening at his slip just to relive the stories of the sea that day. Always up for singing, dancing and laughing, Tony was at the helm.

Tony met his beautiful wife of 54 years, Rose, in 1959. A native of the bay area, Rose is an astute business woman herself in that she worked for Bank of America for most of her life. She and Tony shared a love of animals. Their little chihuahua, Tommy, whose high-pitched non-bark sounded as if he was talking, sat on the sofa right next to Tony until his last day. Tony also had a love for cooking and was proud of his polenta! He loved family gatherings, Italian music and good times.

Antonio Coronato was the proud father of his beautiful daughter, Debbie Peluso, son, Tony Coronato, Junior, and grandfather to Luke Coronato and Stevie Bolger, and great-grandfather to Lorraine who all carry on the Coronato beauty and joyful soul.

Tony had a full life of almost 90 years and took every opportunity to enjoy the moment, his family and friends. He was loved by many and will be missed. Riposi in pace, Antonio.