Mr. Anthony J. "Tony" Fusco

Mr. Anthony J. “Tony” Fusco, age 93, of Utica, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center. Anthony was born in Utica on October 9, 1918, the son of the late Patsy and Catherine (DeFazio) Fusco. He was raised and educated locally. A member of the Greatest Generation and a veteran of World War II, Tony served his country in the United States Army stationed in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations and was a recipient of a Bronze Star. On July 21, 1947 he married the former Mary R. Lombardo with whom he shared 64 years; their devotion in this marriage was of their era. Tony worked for the West End Brewing Company for 33 years, where he also served as the Bartender in the Hospitality Room at the Brewery during the latter part of his tenure. Tony had an easy-going personality, an outgoing nature, and a charismatic persona, which won him many friendships. He was fastidious in his appearance and he also boasted a humorous side which endeared him to all. He found pleasure in a plethora of activities: bowling and earning the honor of induction into the Bowlers’ Hall of Fame at the age of 85, parlaying the ponies at Vernon Downs Race Track, playing cards with his friends on Friday nights, and of course, pinning his hopes on the New York Yankees. He was a member of the Teamsters Local 182. He was a parishioner of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church and devoted to his patron Saint, Anthony. Tony is survived by his wife, Mary; his daughters and sons-in-law, Angela and William “Bill” Meola of Utica, and Patricia “Patty” and Dan Sanders of Rome, NY. Always in his heart was the memory of his daughter, Regina M. Delaney, who passed away on March 15, 2011. He also leaves his son-in-law, David Delaney of Chittenango; his grandchildren, William and Jodi Meola, Kara and Craig Stitsinger, and Joseph Tartaglia; and his great-grandchildren, Ryan Smith, Gianna Meola, Jake and Marc Stitsinger; his sisters and brother-in-law, Mary C. Mancuso, Sandra DeCrescenzo, Katherine Fonderio, Rose and Edward DeSanctis, and Jean Baldwin. His extended family includes several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, in-laws, Ann Fusco, and Benedict Lupia; and the many long lasting friendships that blessed his life. He was predeceased by his brother, Salvatore “Sam” Fusco; sister and brother-in-law, Carmella and Walter Rease; and in-laws, Paul S. Mancuso, Dick DeCrescenzo, Russell Baldwin, and Theresa Lupia. Tony’s family would like to thank the "family" at Steinhorst Apartments for their support and kindness during this difficult time. Thanks also to Dr. Fred Talarico for his professional guidance and patience. Visitation will be held Friday from 4:00-6:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Please refrain from floral offerings. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Anthony’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Saturday afternoon at 1:00 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Fr. Anthony P. LaFache. Entombment will take place in Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum at the convenience of the family.

Mr. Anthony J. "Tony" Fusco

October 9, 1918 - October 11, 2011