Antonio Catricala

Antonio Catricala, 84, of Hartford, beloved husband, devoted dad, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend is now reunited with the love of his life of 63 years, Letizia (Defilippo) Catricala. Born on December 9, 1935 in Girifalco, Calabria, Italy, he was the son of the late Tommaso and Angelarosa (Riillo) Catricala. Antonio came to the USA on October 5, 1965, al-ways residing in Hartford. He worked at Abbott Ball Bearing in West Hartford until he retired at 65 years of age. Antonio was the epidimi of what family, love, respect and devotion was, his first love was his wife Letizia, he loved her and always followed her like a little puppy. Antonio was a kind soul, he always opened his heart and home to everyone. He worked hard to provide a good home for his family and Antonio’s house was considered a home to everyone, all were welcome. Saturday nights were for gatherings, homemade food and playing cards with friends and his brothers-in-law. Antonio was a firm believer in sharing with his family and continuing the traditions he grew up with. Growing up in Girifalco on the family wine vineyards there was always an abundance of wine mak-ing, it was only natural that he would continue his wine making here in the United States. Everyone looked forward to when Antonio would have a wine tasting at his home with his family and food to last for days. When it came to planning for his children’s weddings he made sure a barrel of wine was ready for the celebration. Antonio was a firm believer that dinners together were a must, a time to gather and share stories, everyone needed to be present. Antonio’s passion was also his garden, a treasure of tomato plants, Italian basil, peppers and so much more. He also loved the beach, rent-ing a house for the family at Sound View on Hartford Avenue, Hammonasset Beach was another favorite. Antonio and Letizia loved the ocean, sitting on the pavilion enjoying their conversation to-gether and watching the day go by. Anyone that knew Antonio, knew that he lived for his family, as his grandchildren came along, a fruit tree would be planted for each of them, cherry trees, apple trees and pear trees adorned his yard as a result. The backyard was his sanctuary, he enjoyed tend-ing to his yard and sharing the abundance of his garden with family and friends. Antonio would be in his glory, his eyes lit up with joy and he was tremendously proud of his grandchildren. When his great-grandchildren arrived, his heart filled even more with love and warmth. Anyone that knew An-tonio, knew that he lived for his family, everyone respected Antonio and in turn Antonio respected anyone that came his way. He will be forever remembered for his caring heart, loving embrace and unconditional love. We will continue to live by his example. Although our hearts are very heavy we will continue to celebrate his life and traditions. We can find comfort that Antonio is in Heaven with his love Letizia, his beloved son, Tommaso Catricala and his cherished eldest granddaughter Mar-yann Loprete.

Antonio leaves his children; Angela Loprete and her husband Rocco of Wethersfield, Lucy Petrolito and her husband Robert of Rocky Hill and daughter in-law Vilma Ortega of Glastonbury. His be-loved grandchildren, Joseph Loprete and fiancé Shelly, Bobby Petrolito and his wife Justina, Lucia Pirulli and her husband Carmine, his cherished great-grandchildren, Jaden Pirulli, Giuliana Pirulli and Victoria Pirulli. In Addition he leaves his brother Vincenzo Catricala of Wethersfield, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Salvatore and Adriana Defilippo of Rocky Hill, Freddy and Teresa Vallera of Rocky Hill, Domenick and Karen Defilippo of Florida and Marianna Rosano of Hartford along with many nieces and nephews in Connecticut, Florida, Arizona, South Carolina and Italy. Antonio was also predeceased by his siblings, Rocco Catricala and Rosa Conaci.

Funeral services will be private. A memorial celebration for Antonio will be held at a later date. Me-morial donations be made to: The Ophthalmology Department of Hartford Hospital, 80 Seymour Street, Hartford, CT 06102. The D’Esopo Funeral Chapel of Wethersfield has been entrusted with the arrangements. For online expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopofuneralchapel.com.

We love you DAD with all our HEART, SOUL and BEING, you were everyone’s NONNO and you will be missed.