Anthony Sparacino passed from this life on to his eternal home on April 21, 2020 in McKinney, Texas. He was born to his parents, Ononfrio Sparacino and Anna Logalbo on August 15, 1936 in Palermo, Italy. Anthony was the fourth child of six children. He shared his young years growing up in Palermo, Italy then as a teenager, the family moved to Brooklyn, New York with his siblings, Phil, Tina, Grace, Carlo and Joanne.
Anthony was forced into growing up quickly by going to work to help support his family. He started shining shoes and progressed on to become an assistant at a jewelry store where he found his passion. Anthony moved up to a sales position that allowed him eventually to become an owner for over 30 years.
Anthony grew up in the school of “hard knocks”. As his children will all attest, he worked “like a dog” on his way to become a very successful businessman. He had a soft spot for whoever needed help. Anthony was seen constantly handing out money to those less fortunate alongside of the road time after time. He fully understood what it meant to be hungry and just wanted to help others in need. Some would call Anthony a very stubborn and strong willed man. His mind was never shut off and you couldn’t help but notice the “wheels” turning in his head without end.
Though his given name is Anthony, he was also known as Tony Bologna, Nino and Tony the Jeweler. He had to leave a formal education due to the demands of working to support his family. Anthony lived by the saying, “Think positive and Good things will come”!
Jewelry was his life. He started learning the trade as a teenager. Then, in his late thirties, Anthony opened up his own store; one that he would own and operate for over 30 years. He didn’t retire until he was 70 years old and then only reluctantly as he truly loved what he did each and every day.
Since his work was his passion, he never really had any hobbies or found any great interest in sports or outdoor activities. However, he found enjoyment in building and repairing almost anything. While he lived in New York, he and his father added a second floor to their former one story home by themselves.
When he had time, Anthony enjoyed watching his favorite television show, “Two and a Half Men”. He really found pleasure being a Dad! When asked where he would most like to be at he would automatically respond: “at home with my children and grandchildren just spending time together”.
Anthony was a very devoted Catholic man. He went to church every week. He cherished his statues of the Blessed Mother and Jesus that he would always find the time to pray and kiss every day. Years ago, he and Josephine belonged to the “Sons of Italy” group. As a native of Italy, he loved his pasta.
Anthony was married to the love of his life, Josephine “Cookie” for 58 years. They lived across the street from each other growing up. One day he followed her to work, asked her out on a date and the rest is history. He was very devoted to her and always bragged that he had married her because of her great legs!
Anthony was preceded in death by his parents, Anna and Onofrio Sparacino; his brother, Phil Sparacino; and his sisters, Tina Calvacca and Grace Smith. His legacy will live on through his bride, Josephine “Cookie” Sparacino of McKinney, TX; his son, Fred Sparacino and wife, Tammy of Massapequa, NY; his daughters: Ana Maida and her husband, Bill of Islandia, NY; Vita Spinuso and her husband, Louie of McKinney, TX; and Toni Sparacino and her life partner, Maria of Franklin Square, NY. His memories will continued to be shared by his grandchildren; Travis, Trevor, Brianna, Troy, Ashley, Gina, Lauren, Anthony and Vincent.
Anthony was loved while he was here on Earth and will continue to be loved by his friends and family through time and all eternity. He will be dearly missed by all.
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