Tony L. LoPiccolo

Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather Tony L. LoPiccolo, a 49 year resident of Torrance, passed away on Saturday, June 26, 2010 in Torrance just 12 days after his 89th birthday. Born in New Orleans, LA, Tony's family moved to Chicago, IL when he was a baby. His father died during the Great Depression when Tony was just 10 which forced him to grow up fast. Tony would used his coaster wagon to collect old tires, various metals, coal and whatever he could sell or use to help support his mother and baby sister. In high school Tony's artistic abilities grabbed the attention of an art school teacher who used one of Tony's paintings in the school's art exhibit at the Chicago Art Institute. His talent earned him a fine arts scholarship to Wright Jr. College, but after only one year, he was force to leave because he didn't have the money to continue. In 1943 Tony was drafted into the army where he suffered a punctured eardrum when the tank he was driving was hit by an artillery round while on maneuvers at Fort Knox, KY. Prior to WWII, Tony worked as a supervisor for Howard Aircraft Co. where he tested and drew airplanes.

After the war, Tony drove a Taxi and eventually ended up working with his uncle in the auto body and repair business. For over 60 years, 40 of them in the South Bay area alone, Tony hammered and banged out dents on almost every four wheeled vehicle you could imagine. In 1975, he and his eldest son, Anthony, opened up their own shop, LoPiccolo and Sons, where Tony worked until retiring at age 81. Tony also served as an usher to his home Parish St. Catherine Laboure in Torrance for nearly 38 years. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Carmella; sons, Anthony, Dennis, and Michael; daughters-in laws Linda and Tina; 5 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Tony's love for animals earned him the title "Dr. Doolittle" fromhis kids, but his greatest joy in life was being with his family and sharing a traditional bowl of pasta on a Sunday afternoon. A gathering of family & friends will be held at Rice Mortuary on Tuesday, July 6, 2010 from 5:00pm - 9:00pm. A Vigil service will begin at 7:15pm. The Funeral Service will be held at St. Catherine Laboure on Wednesday, July 7, 2010 at 11:00am.