Antonio “Tony” Joseph Grano, 92, of Wethersfield, beloved husband of Ann (Hovhanessian) Grano peacefully passed away at home Friday, February 5, 2021 with his family at his side. Born September 24, 1928, and raised in Hartford, Tony was one of nine children to the late Nicholas J. and Angelina (Olivieri) Grano. He grew up on Franklin Avenue and left middle school to go to work in order to help support the family. He was a huge fan of boxing, and was himself an Amateur Featherweight Boxer in the Hartford Area. While boxing with the Army team, he was the Featherweight champ in Japan.
Tony served our country proudly in the U.S. Army Airborne for four years during the Korean War. He was wounded and received a Purple Heart while in Korea. He continued his service in the Army Reserves for 20 years attaining the rank of Sargent Major. Being a man of commitment, he vowed to return to school, to which he did and earned his GED later in life.
Tony worked as an engraver at Industrial Engravers in Newington, where he met his lovely wife Ann. They began dating, then married in the summer of 1957, and have enjoyed 64 wonderful years together. Tony was the proud owner of the Brown Derby Tavern in New Britain for many years and was famous for his hot dog sauce. He worked for Green Mountain Marble in VT before retiring.
Tony loved to golf, play pinochle and participated in round robin on Wednesdays with his brother Roger and lifelong friends and fellow restaurant owners. He was famous for his quick wit and one liners. He had a huge giving heart and was always a kind and generous man. He would do anything for his grandchildren and was a daily part of their lives attending all their sports events, practices and performances.
Tony loved the theatre and was able to perform at the Hartford Stage and the Hole in the Wall Theatre. Some of his roles included Uncle Vanya in Uncle Vanya, Lord Augustus Lorton (Tuppy) in Lady Windemere’s Fan.
He will always be remembered for saying “If in life you find you need a helping hand, just look at the end of your arm”. He loved life to the fullest and will be most remembered for his ability to appreciate everything in life and to laugh every day. He had a contagious laugh and often entertained the family with his antics at family reunions. If there was a stage or a mic in the room, Tony was in his glory.
In addition to his wife, Tony will be deeply missed and forever remembered by his two daughters and sons-in-law Sharon and Jamie Sherwood of Southington and Sandra and Brian Dugay of Cromwell; his brother Roger Grano of Hartford; four adored grandchildren, Ian, Julian and Olivia Sherwood and Jack Dugay; a special nephew, Joseph J. Grano Jr. as well as several cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and many close and dear friends.
In addition to his parents, Tony was predeceased by his siblings, Joseph J. Grano, Sr., Victor (Manny) Grano, Ann Matteis, Nancy Tarquinio, Rose Drena, Albert Grano and Nicholas A. (Bonsey) Grano.
Friends and family may call on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 from 12-1 p.m. at the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd, Wethersfield with a Celebration of Life Service at 1 p.m. in the funeral chapel. Interment with military honors will follow the service in Cedar Hill Cemetery (Section 12), 453 Fairfield Ave., Hartford. Memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 370 7th Ave Suite 1802, New York, NY 10001. For online expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit ww.desopofuneralchapel.com.
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