Anthony Albert Arminio

Anthony Arminio, age 92, passed peacefully on Sunday, Nov. 24th, at his home in Palos Verdes Estates, surrounded by his loving family.

Tony Arminio was born on June 26, 1927 in Natick, MA to Maria & Vincenzo Arminio (who immigrated from southern Italy). He was the youngest of brothers Joe and Vito, and sister Lena. He was a model student and star quarterback at Natick High School. He served in the Navy at the end of WWII from 1945-1946.

At 19, he started selling Electrolux vacuum cleaners door to door, and his charming demeanor, sales acumen and unmatched work ethic soon made him the top salesman in the country. Tony then moved into sales management, and for the next 40 years set the standard for excellence within Electrolux. He set records at every level and won numerous prizes, including a Rolls Royce Corniche (in which he took his daughter Rosanne to her wedding). The highlight of his life was mentoring legions of salespeople who worked for him and giving them the skills to provide for their families. Tony led by positive motivation and he was revered as a father figure to countless recipients of his guidance. Electrolux gave Tony its ultimate tribute by making him the first member of the Electrolux Hall of Fame.

In 1953 he married the love of his life, Anita Cononi, and had six children. They moved to Palos Verdes Estates, CA in 1969 where they lived an active life in the church at St. John Fisher, plus enjoyed the golf and tennis community. Anita passed in 1978. Tony remained an active father and proudly put all six kids through college.

Tony married Joanne Brixey in 1988. Although she passed in 1990, their brief but beautiful union brought tremendous healing to the family.

Tony’s heart was filled with charity, focusing his volunteer work as a Trustee of the Providence Little Company of Mary Foundation. In recognition of extraordinary commitment to the Foundation, the Medical Center, and the mission of the sisters, he was honored as Trustee Emeritus member in 2017. (He was the grateful recipient of their excellent medical care and hospice services at the end of his life.)

Tony had an active social life as a member of the PV Golf Club and Breakfast Club where he was known for his hundreds of jokes and animated stories. His treasured friends heard him repeat his stories many times, but his charming delivery made everyone smile. He also enjoyed a lively weekly breakfast meeting with several of his dear buddies at the Ranch Market.

Tony was an active parishioner and Eucharist Minister at St. Lawrence Martyr Catholic Church, and made sure Sister Landini saw him show up for mass.

Tony is survived by his six beloved children: son Mark + wife Susan (grandson Mark Jr.; grandson John + wife Katie, great grandchildren Jack + Ellie Grace; grandson Matt + wife Sonia, great grandchildren Maddox, Lucy & Evie; grandson Patrick + wife Breanne, greatgrandchildren Luke, Mia and baby on the way; & granddaughter Sharon); daughter Maria; daughter Rosanne + husband Bret (grandchildren Nick & Brooke Farnum); daughter Anita + husband Joe (grandchildren Grace & Shannon O’Hara); son Tony Jr. + wife Violet (grandchildren Audrey & Arlo Arminio); daughter Caroline + husband Bruce (grandchildren Camelia & Violet Somers); plus his brother Vito Arminio + wife Rena along with several beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

Tony was a shining example of the power of positive thinking, which he shared with everyone he encountered. He left a legacy of love with his enormous heart, exuberant personality, and his daily contribution of spreading sunshine. He saw the good in everyone and felt called to let you know how terrific you are. His proudest achievement was his family and often said, “We are rich in the things money can’t buy.” By those standards, he called himself “the richest man in the world” as he was lovingly surrounded by his children and grandchildren in his final hours.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to:

PROVIDENCE LITTLE COMPANY OF MARY FOUNDATION

Supporting San Pedro and Torrance

4101 Torrance Blvd., Torrance, CA 90503

https://providencehealthsc.thankyou4caring.org/PLCMF-give Designation: Cardiology Services

OR

PROVIDENCE TRINITYCARE HOSPICE FOUNDATION

5313 Torrance Blvd., Suite B-1, Torrance, CA 90503

https://providencehealthsc.thankyou4caring.org/PTCH-give Designation: Palliative Care