Anthony Senese

Anthony Senese, 97, of Hidden Hills Country Club in Jacksonville, Florida passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday afternoon August 28, 2016 surround by family and friends. He was the widower of Anna Senese. Anna and Tony also lived many years in Woodbridge Connecticut.

Tony, as he was known to his friends, was born in Tocco Causuaria in February 1919. He lived most of his youth in Tocco Causuaria and was the first college graduate in his town, holding a degree in engineering. Upon his graduation, jobs were a plenty for the college graduate of the small town but he wanted adventure. So upon marrying Anna Pettinelli, the love of his life, he embarked on his lifelong dream of going to America. His grandfather had told him of his many adventures there and Tony wanted to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps.

He married Anna and they sailed to America and moved to Rome New York. It was there that their only daughter, Mary Anne was born. They left Rome, New York and moved to Connecticut were he planned on attending Yale University. Anna’s illness interrupted his plan but success would follow anyway.

Together with his wife, Anna, Tony ran a very successful custom drapery business. Their clients included many of the elites of the greater New Haven area, including the president of Yale University. They were the work room for Wayside Furniture and Ethan Allen of Orange, Connecticut.

Anna and Tony retired to Lee High Acres Florida were they enjoyed the sunshine, playing cards and bocce with their many friends. In the latter part of their retirement, they moved with their daughter Maryanne to Jacksonville, Florida to be closer to family.

Tony was a joyful man who loved his wife and daughter deeply and unconditionally. He was devoted to them and followed Anna every were she went. They were truly love birds. He loved to travel, play cards, and the company of his friends. He was a good man who will be sorely missed.

He is survived by his daughter, Mary Anne Senese, sister Lilia Pizzola and many nieces and nephews.

The family would especially like to thank Carol Brashier for her great warmth, support and assistance.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, September 3, 2016 at 9:30AM at Holy Spirit Catholic Church with burial in Chapel Hills Memory Gardens immediately following. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 5:00pm until 7:00pm at Hardage-Giddens Chapel Hills Funeral Home.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hardage-giddenschapelhills.com

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home 850 St. Johns Bluff Rd. North, Jacksonville, FL 32225 (904) 641-9755.