Our dad’s life story began when was born in New York City on March 10, 1929 to his parents, Joseph and Caroline. He spent his first 25 years growing up with his friends and family and at 17 he met the love of his life, Adele and it was true love from the beginning. They married on May 13th, 1951 prior to dad’s enlistment in the Army to serve on the front lines of the Korean war as part of the Army’s Sunburst 224th Infantry Division.
Dad served in Korea for a year and a half and was a combat wounded Purple Heart recipient attaining the rank of Corporal before he was honorably discharged on July 25, 1956.
Shortly after returning home from the war, mom and dad moved to south Tampa in 1953, bought their first and only home together. Dad studied Architecture through the GI bill until he was offered a great job at Central Truck Lines to be a truck driver and a member of the Teamster’s union for over 30 years and retired in 1985. Dad and mom enjoyed his retirement years going on bus trips and many visits to the beach with their family. One of their special times was having coffee on the back porch enjoying the rose garden and watching the birds. They enjoyed their home and had special friends and neighbors to share their lives with.
Dad and mom had 2 son’s, Tony Jr. married to Pamela; Joseph, married to Teresa; and daughter, Melody, married to Peter. Dad had 6 grandchildren; AJ, Monica, Tiffany, Danny, Joey, and Brianna; and 1 great grandson, Luca and was called “ Papa “ by them all. He enjoyed and loved his family spending holidays and special occasions with them all.
After 57 years of marriage, mom passed away in 2008 and dad was alone for the first time in the home they shared. After some time, dad slowly began to heal with our family and the good Lord by his side. He became more independent and truly enjoyed being in his home.
In 2011, he became a member of the South Tampa YMCA and for 8 years, he drove every Monday, Wednesday and Friday to be with his coffee drinking friends and stay in shape working out. He was truly liked by many there and will always be remembered by that YMCA.
He also enjoyed the American Legion in Port Tampa where many of his YMCA friends visited as well. There wasn’t too many Saturday’s where our dad was not enjoying himself at the Legion.
Dad passed away peacefully with his family by his side and now rests in peace with mom and the Lord. Our families will be looking up to Heaven while dad and mom are looking down on us, smiling.
Our Dad enjoyed life to its fullest right up until his passing and will be truly missed. Our Dad and mom will live with us, in our hearts and memories, forever.
Love Always, your family
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18