Anthony M. Orioles

Anthony Mario Orioles, age 81, of Mount Sinai, New York, passed away suddenly on Sunday, January 29, 2023. He was born on September 28, 1941. Most of you will know him as “Tony”. Tony was one of the warmest, kindest, and most generous people you could ever meet, and everyone who met him felt his friendship.

Tony was the devoted husband of Geraldine, the loving father of Anthony Orioles and his wife Cheryl, Michael Orioles and his wife Christine, and Jennifer Lifford and her husband Bill. He was the beloved grandfather of Alyssa and her fiancé Pete Skulikidis, Anthony Orioles and his wife Christina, Sara Orioles, Matthew Lifford, Michelle Lifford, Michael Orioles, and Christopher Lifford, and he was the grateful brother of the late Frank Orioles and his wife Maryanne, Josephine Smith and her late husband Jim, Felicia Ludwig and her husband Carl, and the late Sylvia Smith and her late husband Tom. Some of us called him Dad, some of us called him Grandpa, and some of us called him Poppy. All of us adored and cherished him.

Tony grew up in Huntington. He served proudly in the Coast Guard. When he first met Geraldine, Tony told her that she was “the one” and that he was going to marry her. And he did! They were married for over 60 years. Photos of Tony and Geraldine together clearly show their love and devotion to each other; he was always smiling. Together they had three children – Anthony (also often called Tony like his father), Michael, and Jennifer.

Tony loved and was fiercely proud of his children and his grandchildren. He was proud of their achievements, but even more proud of the people they are and grew up to be. All of them will tell you that Dad (or Grandpa, or Poppy) loved to go to school concerts, piano recitals, dance recitals, graduations, communions, and he would be smiling proudly – usually while taking pictures. Tony’s seven grandchildren – especially as young children – loved to snuggle up with him in his recliner.

Tony enjoyed hosting family gatherings and holidays at his home; he is famous for always ordering way too much food! He especially had fun chatting with everyone after a good meal. Sicilian-style Christmas Eve celebrations at Tony and Geraldine’s were legendary and everyone in the family looked forward to them all year. Birthdays, Mother’s Days, Father’s Days, Easters, etc. … he loved any occasion that family would get together and spend some quality time.

He worked for the Long Island Railroad and retired after thirty years; he rose to become Gang Foreman in the Maintenance of Equipment department. For the last several years of his career, he also served as General Chairman of the Supervisor’s Union. Tony was respected because he treated people with dignity and respect and because he fought for worker’s rights.

Tony’s superpower was his combination of being willing to help anyone, anytime, while also being able to fix just about anything. From his lifelong interest in cool cars and his work with the Long Island Railroad, Tony could figure out how anything worked and get it working properly again – even at 1:30AM. If you called him and you didn’t know what to do, he’d pack up his tools, put his shoes on, and he’d be helping you fix your problem before you could blink. Tony has saved the day for various family members and friends more times than you could possibly count.

Tony worked hard, and when he retired, he made sure to enjoy every minute. He really enjoyed looking at cars and going to car shows. Tony also liked interesting clocks and he collected a few really cool ones. He played golf. Tony travelled to Italy several times, including going to Sicily with his granddaughter Alyssa. He enjoyed playing cards with friends in his community. Tony loved to see his son Mike play guitar onstage and his grandson Matt play piano. Everywhere he went, Tony made friends. Recently, he and Geraldine joined the Loyal Order of Moose and they attended many of the Moose events at the Lodge in Port Jefferson. Last but not least, he adored his dog Teddy -- and some of us might even say he spoiled him rotten!

Mother Theresa said, “Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.” Tony did exactly that during his time here on this planet – our lives are all richer for having known him and loved him. Please join us in wishing Tony a fond farewell.

A memorial visitation for Tony will be held Sunday, February 5, 2023, from 2:00PM to 6:00PM at O.B. Davis Funeral Home, 4839 Nesconset Highway, Port Jefferson Station, NY. Funeral service on Monday, February 6, 2023, at 10:00AM at Infant Jesus Church, 110 Myrtle Avenue, Port Jefferson, NY 11777. Cremation private.

A memorial visitation for Anthony will be held on Sunday, February 5, 2023 from 2-6 PM at O. B. Davis Funeral Homes, 4839 Nesconset Highway, Port Jefferson Station, New York 11776. Memorial Mass on Monday, February 6, 2023 at 10 AM at Infant Jesus RC Church, 110 Myrtle Avenue, Port Jefferson, New York 11777.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.obdavisportjefferson.com for the Orioles family.