Obituary for Antonio Matarazzo
Antonio (Tony) Matarazzo passed away quietly on Friday, June 11, 2021, at his daughter’s home in NJ, surrounded by his family. He was 86 years old.
Tony was born on August 25, 1934 in Montella in the Province of Avellino, Italy. He was the fifth of nine children born to Maria (Giannone) and Michele Matarazzo. He married a hometown girl, Maria Basile, on December 6, 1964 and a few months later emigrated to the United States via the SS Constitution.
The young couple settled in South Philadelphia where they raised their 3 children, Rita, Patrizia and Salvatore. Tony first worked at the 7-UP Bottling Company in South Philadelphia and later was employed as an auto-body mechanic by Ron Galati's Repair and finally by the City of Philadelphia from which he finally retired. In 2000 he and Maria moved to Voorhees NJ and then again in 2011 to Egg Harbor Township, NJ to be closer to their daughter, Rita, and her family.
Tony was a strong and uproarious force in his family. He was always ready to upset the apple cart if he didn't agree with you but was also the first one to make you laugh with stories from his childhood or an Italian barzeletta (usually off-color). He spent much of his retirement with his best friend (and grandson), Christopher, simultaneously loving and cursing his favorite soccer team, Napoli.
He is survived by his wife, Maria, their 3 children and spouses: Rita (Ken Colasuonno), Patrizia (Ric Biehl) and Salvatore (Theresa Ranieri); six grandchildren/step-grandchildren: Tia, (Nigel DeAngelis), Erica, (Steven Delviscio), Robert, Christopher, Rachel and Ricky; and four step great-grandchildren: Luciano, Giavanna, Silvio and Rocco.
He is also survived by his two siblings - Nino of Montella, Italy, and Annunziata (Titina) Cione of Port St. Lucie, FL and numerous nieces and nephews residing all over Europe and the United States.
A memorial mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, July 6, 2021 at St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church, 910 Watkins Street, Philadelphia, PA with a luncheon to follow.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in Tony's name to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian Hill Road, SW, Lilburn GA 30047 or via their website www.lbda.org
Tony was born on August 25, 1934 in Montella in the Province of Avellino, Italy. He was the fifth of nine children born to Maria (Giannone) and Michele Matarazzo. He married a hometown girl, Maria Basile, on December 6, 1964 and a few months later emigrated to the United States via the SS Constitution.
The young couple settled in South Philadelphia where they raised their 3 children, Rita, Patrizia and Salvatore. Tony first worked at the 7-UP Bottling Company in South Philadelphia and later was employed as an auto-body mechanic by Ron Galati's Repair and finally by the City of Philadelphia from which he finally retired. In 2000 he and Maria moved to Voorhees NJ and then again in 2011 to Egg Harbor Township, NJ to be closer to their daughter, Rita, and her family.
Tony was a strong and uproarious force in his family. He was always ready to upset the apple cart if he didn't agree with you but was also the first one to make you laugh with stories from his childhood or an Italian barzeletta (usually off-color). He spent much of his retirement with his best friend (and grandson), Christopher, simultaneously loving and cursing his favorite soccer team, Napoli.
He is survived by his wife, Maria, their 3 children and spouses: Rita (Ken Colasuonno), Patrizia (Ric Biehl) and Salvatore (Theresa Ranieri); six grandchildren/step-grandchildren: Tia, (Nigel DeAngelis), Erica, (Steven Delviscio), Robert, Christopher, Rachel and Ricky; and four step great-grandchildren: Luciano, Giavanna, Silvio and Rocco.
He is also survived by his two siblings - Nino of Montella, Italy, and Annunziata (Titina) Cione of Port St. Lucie, FL and numerous nieces and nephews residing all over Europe and the United States.
A memorial mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, July 6, 2021 at St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church, 910 Watkins Street, Philadelphia, PA with a luncheon to follow.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in Tony's name to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian Hill Road, SW, Lilburn GA 30047 or via their website www.lbda.org