Antonio Masullo

By Howard Hendrickson

Born in a small village in Italy in 1932 during the depression years

For Antonio Masullo, it was a time filled with doubt and fears.

To make matters worse, His father went to war and never came home

Leaving his mother to raise him and his sister alone.

The family lived through hard times with little to eat

But Antonio was determined not to succumb to defeat.

A trade he would need but which one to choose,

So while still very young he learned to make shoes.

Soon he would marry and two children would raise.

His love for them would last for all of his days.

In 1960 he left Italy for America by ship

It was a long and tedious trip.

Antonio left his mother, sister, wife and children in Italy

But two years later sent for his precious family.

Annuziata, Vincent and Rosanna arrived by plane

In 1962, they were united again.

He suffered many health issues, including TB

But survived in spite of having only one kidney.

Through hard work and determination,

He raised a family in Brooklyn in his adopted nation.

His greatest pleasure was being with family

And eating authentic Italian food – a priority.

Vincent and Rosanna and their children were his pride

The love he had for them cannot be denied.

Antonio lived through times both good and bad

And shared experiences happy and sad

But one thing for sure is true,

He accomplished all he intended to do.

Arrangements under the direction of Virginia Funeral Chapel, Staten Island, NY.

Antonio Masullo, 84

Italian-born shoemaker, raised his family in Brooklyn

Antonio Masullo died peacefully in the Addeo Hospice Residence on Friday, April 7, 2017, in Staten Island, N.Y. at the age of 84.

The wake is scheduled for Sunday, April 9, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Virginia Funeral Chapel, 1707 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, N.Y. 10305. The funeral Mass is scheduled for Monday, April 10, at 10 a.m., at St. Sylvester's Church. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Antonio's life.

Antonio was born on June 12, 1932, in Sant'Angelo dei Lombardi, Avellino, Italy, to parents, Francesco Masullo and Rosina Fasano. He immigrated to the United States in 1960, two years prior to his wife and small children.

He raised his family in Brooklyn, N.Y., where he applied his shoemaking trade he learned in Italy, and opened his own business. There, he lived until he retired and moved to Staten Island in 1995.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Leukemia And Lymphoma Society at P.O. Box 241, Cedar Grove N.J. 07009.

Antonio is survived by his wife, Annunziata; children, Vincent and Rosanna, and grandchildren, Christopher, Paul, Gabriella, Angela, and Peter.

The family would like to thank hospice staff for their wonderful care for Antonio.

Virginia Funeral Chapel

1707 Hylan Blvd.

Staten Island, N.Y. 10305

(718) 987-2828