Despite several challenges in life, Tony was a true profile in courage and an indomitable spirit. As a very young child, he was stricken by polio to the extent of being in an iron lung for an extended period. Post-polio syndrome progressively affected his mobility and strength in his later years, but he never let his physical limitations keep him from doing whatever he wanted or needed to do. He never whined or complained or expressed a “why me?” attitude. He and his first wife, Marianna Sarrantonio Starace, were happily married for many years. Together they raised their twin daughters, Carrie Ann and Nancy Ann Starace, to be well-adjusted and happy women despite their own physical and intellectual disabilities. When Marianna became seriously ill, he took loving care of her and after she died, he continued to devote himself to the care of his daughters for several years as a single parent. His life was tremendously blessed when he met and married Victoria Miske Starace, who embraced him and his daughters as her own, taking loving care of all of them. The family owes her unending love and gratitude.
Tony attended Hillyer College (now the University of Hartford) and worked for the State of Connecticut, his last position being as supervisor in the Welfare Department. It was this position, seeing tragedies and misfortunes of others, that gave him great empathy. He coached baseball and followed sports even though he could not play. He loved parties and entertaining family and friends, especially those Italian feasts. He was generous to his family and the less fortunate. For several years, he chaired the Giant’s Neck Heights Homeowners Association. He made friends easily and kept friendships for years. He was smart, determined, mostly fearless and, even when life was scary, always brave. He loved freely and unconditionally.
Tony was predeceased by his first wife Marianna; and his daughter Nancy Ann. He is survived by his wife Vicky; his daughter Carrie Ann; his sister and her husband, Mary Ann and Jim D’Amato; his brother Joseph Starace Jr.; his sister-in-law Barbara Sarrantonio; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Memorial donations may be made to the Hospital for Special Care, 2150 Corbin Avenue, New Britain, CT 06053 or to any charity benefiting the disabled.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29, at St. Agnes Church, 22 Haigh Ave., Niantic, CT 06357. Please be advised that masks will be required for entry into church. Burial will be held privately at the convenience of the family.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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