Anthony John Tavani

Anthony John Tavani, 94, of Rocky Hill, passed away peacefully at Middlesex Hospital on Saturday, May 10, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Anne Tavani, who predeceased him after 73 years of marriage. Born in Hartford on May 16, 1930, he was the son of the late Massimo and Rose (Spadorcia) Tavani. Anthony was a parishioner of St. James Church in Rocky Hill. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.

Anne and Tony raised their family in Wethersfield before settling in Rocky Hill in 1986. In retirement, they spent winters at their home in West Palm Beach Florida enjoying time with family and friends.

Anthony proudly served in the U.S. Marines during the Korean War. He then began his career as a plumber, working for Plumbers Local 76 for many years, before retiring in 1992. Tony was known as “Mr. Clean” for his meticulous work, leaving each job site spotless. He carried this nickname and trait throughout his life.

Anthony is survived by his loving daughters, Rosanne Billias and husband Peter, Lynn Gaffey and husband Timothy and Andrea Gallo and husband Gregory; his eight cherished grandchildren, Matthew Billias and partner Brittany, Kathryn Sessions and husband Ian, Brian Billias and partner Leini (predeceased), Erin Gaffey and husband Chris Deubert, Kerri Gaffey and husband DJ McDonald, Vincent Gallo, Milena Gallo and Domenic Gallo; his three adored great-grandchildren, Osian and Keira Deubert-Gaffey and Mia McDonald; sister-in-law, Marisa Tavani and many special nieces and nephews who visited often. In addition to his wife Anne, Tony was predeceased by his infant daughter, Rosemarie Tavani and his three siblings, Frank Tavani, Richard Tavani and Antoinette Tavani.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Tony’s caregivers Esie, Nadine and Rebecca for their compassionate care and support, as well as the nurses and staff at Autumn Lake Cromwell and Middlesex Hospital South 7, Comfort Care Unit.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 20, at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish (St. James Church), 767 Elm Street, Rocky Hill. Burial with military honors will follow in Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery, Bloomfield. The D'Esopo Funeral Chapel, Wethersfield, has been entrusted with the services. To share a memory or message with the family, please visit www.desopofuneralchapel.com