Anthony "Tony" Cangemi

Tony is survived by his son Chris Cangemi; stepdaughter Terri Lyn Sloan and stepson Scott (Robin) Bonesteele; siblings David Cangemi, Dorothy DiNoto, and Phillip Cangemi; grandchildren Nicholas Cangemi, Felicia Cangemi, and Rachael Cangemi; step-grandchildren Eric (Caroline) Fisher, and Ryan (Christine) Bonesteele; great-grandchildren Presley Boughten, Charlie Tucker, and Jack Tucker; step-great-grandchildren Jack Fisher, Elliott Bonesteele, and Elijah Bonesteele; as well as many relatives and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Giuseppe and Margaret Cangemi; siblings Rose Sullivan, Josie Fried, Mae Miller, Nicky Cangemi, Connie Malfa, Joey Cangemi, Johnny Cangemi, Butchie Cangemi, and Nancy Kirschman; and step-grandson Stephen Bonesteele.

Anthony “Buddy” Cangemi was born April 8, 1937 in South Boston, Massachusetts. He was the 8th child of 13 full-blooded Italian children born to Giuseppe and Margaret. Growing up in a post-Great Depression era, Tony’s inner work ethic drove him to work hard, learn new things, and make the most of what he was given. He was a jack of all trades with a willingness to take on any task and try anything new. Some of his early jobs included shining shoes, running a paper route, and working at the local Candlepin bowling alley. During his attendance at South Boston High School, he spent some time learning the skill of welding. In 1953 he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he advanced to corporal and proudly served his country for two years as a Field Artillery Batteryman. Honorably discharged from the military, Tony embarked on a successful career selling encyclopedias door-to-door. He was a natural salesman, which eventually led him to his next career path in Telecommunications as a Sales Manager. Ultimately, a health setback forced him to leave the Telecommunications industry, and he soon found his next opportunity: a business partnership with his stepdaughter Terri Lyn, where together they operated La Tazza, an Italian panini and coffee shop located in Seattle. Local folks flocked to La Tazza to enjoy authentic, handmade paninis and expertly crafted espresso drinks! After selling the coffee shop, Tony travelled south to Vancouver, Washington, where he spent several years serving as a youth Bible study leader at St. John Lutheran Church. Tony’s final calling was volunteering as a Foster Grandparent at Sacajawea Elementary School, where his love of life-long learning and his passion for teaching children shined brightly.

*Life-long learner *U.S. Marine Veteran *Reader *Storyteller *Jack of all trades *Teacher *Servant *Dancer *Lover of music and the arts *New England sports fan *Sharp dresser *Gardener *Connoisseur of Italian cooking *Bible student *Man of prayer *Faithful follower of Jesus

These are just a few words that describe our beloved Tony. Above all, he loved his family, he loved children, and he loved God. This was evident by the way he spent his time while here among us. We invite you to share with us your own words, photos, and memories of Tony by clicking on, “Add a Memory.”

A private family internment will take place at St. John Lutheran Church Cemetery, with a celebration of life to be held at a future date at St. John Lutheran Church in Vancouver, Washington. For those wishing to be notified of Tony’s celebration of life, please click on “Receive Notifications.”

Memorial contributions may be made to the Vancouver Public Schools Foundation, where a “Grandpa Tony” fund has been created to serve the needs of children at Sacajawea Elementary School. Donations can be made online at https://foundationforvps.org/donation-and-giving/ or by mailing your check to the following:

Vancouver Public Schools Foundation

Sacajawea – In Memory of Anthony Cangemi

PO Box 6039

Vancouver, WA 98668