Mr. Anthony "Tony" Cecilia

Mr. Anthony “Tony” Cecilia, age 84, of Utica, passed away on Tuesday, May 15, 2012 in the privacy of his home, with his family by his side after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Anthony was born in Utica on April 23, 1928, the son of the late Ubaldo and Elvira (Pacifici) Cecilia. He was raised and educated in Utica. He was married in 1952 to Alexandria “Sandy” Petrillo. In his earlier years, Tony worked on the railroad with his father in Beaver River. Later on, he and his wife owned and operated the Friendly Restaurant in Waterville. For several years he was also employed by N.D. Peters Construction Company, and subsequently he established and became the proprietor of the Townline Tavern in Whitesboro for over 30 years. Tony was a giving man, and his generosity extended from his family to his friends. He was always ready to help from his heart. He was hard-working and enjoyed hands-on ventures, like planting and growing beans and tomatoes in his garden. He loved his family, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His camp on Beaver River brought him much joy and solitude and would, at least once a year, be a gathering place for his family. Tony was gifted at playing the accordion and he performed in the Silvertones and Townliners Bands which brought much excitement and entertainment to audiences. He was also a super sports enthusiast, from following football, baseball, and basketball to being an avid bowler. He was a coach for the Utica Pony League for many years. Tony especially enjoyed drawing. He was an avid fisherman and member of the Sportsman Club of Beaver River. Tony enjoyed betting on the horses at OTB and at Vernon Downs. Tony stayed strong in his Catholic faith and beliefs throughout his lifetime. Tony is survived by his wife, Sandy; his daughter, Florence Cecilia of NY Mills and Jay Jonza; his son and daughter-in-law, Anthony and Cindy Cecilia of VA; grandchildren, Jennifer and David Goodfriend, Stephanie and Mike Carlson, Anthony Thomas and Chie Cecilia, Kimberly and Jesse Peckham, and Terese Cecilia; and nine great-grandchildren. In addition, he leaves his sister, Mary Flisnik; and his brother and sister-in-law, Enrico and Josephine Cecilia, all of Whitesboro; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his in-laws, Arthur “Art” Flisnik, Joseph R. and Lena Petrillo, Roger Petrillo, and Anna and Louis Degni. The family expresses gratitude to the staff of Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., especially acknowledging nurse Mary Checchi and his social worker Christina Bartholomeo for the care and compassion shown to Anthony. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 4-7 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Flowers are graciously accepted. Expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care Inc.; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Tony’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Friday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Anthony P. LaFache. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mr. Anthony "Tony" Cecilia

April 23, 1928 - May 15, 2012