Ariosto Tontodonati

Ariosto Tontodonati (96) was born on September 18, 1920 in Scafa, Italy and died on October 3, 2016 in Pompano Beach, Florida. He is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Elizabeth, and his three loving daughters Philomena Pezzano and her husband, Joseph, Elvira Camilla and Elizabeth. He is also survived by his devoted granddaughter, Anne, and her husband Tim and his two great-grandchildren Jack and Abbey. He is predeceased by his brothers Gregorio, Valentino, Venanzio and Duce and a sister Maria.

Ariosto and Elizabeth married on August 31, 1947. He emigrated to the United States in 1951 where he was proud to become a United States citizen. They resided in Jersey City, New Jersey and Hackensack, New Jersey where he and Elizabeth raised their three daughters.

Ariosto was known for his expertise in auto body repair and was the proprietor of Tonto’s Auto Body in Hackensack. He continued in this work until the young age of 80. Like most Italian Americans, some of his favorite pastimes have been playing Bocce, tending his garden and making wine each year.

During his years of active UNICO membership, Ariosto served in various capacities in the Hackensack Chapter. He enjoyed service work and especially enjoyed meeting UNICO members at the various national conventions he attended.

Ariosto and Elizabeth had retired to Pompano Beach, Florida and recently celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary. Ariosto was active in St. Gabriel’s Church in Pompano Beach as an usher and in other capacities.

In lieu of flowers, we are asking for donations to be made in Ariosto’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org