Mr. Anthony L. Zangrilli Sr.

Mr. Anthony L. Zangrilli, Sr., age 96, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 14, 2015 in the comfort of his home surrounded by the love of his family. Born in Utica on September 12, 1919, Anthony was the son of the late Luigi and Angelina (Matrulli) Zangrilli. He grew up on Hubbell Street and ‘hung out with the guys’ at the Mary Street Playground. He was a graduate of Utica Free Academy/Class of 1937. Drafted into the United States Army Air Corps during World War II, Anthony proudly served his country as a Staff Sergeant stationed in the Asiatic/Pacific Theater of Operations where he worked on radar installations. He would often reminisce of stories he shared about his pet deer, ‘Fawline’. On May 2, 1946 he married the love of his life, Josephine Danella, with whom he shared a blessed union of over 65 years prior to her passing on September 6, 2011. Being the ever-dutiful husband well into their later years, Anthony and Josephine would be seen walking hand-in-hand and he often carrying her purse. He was proud of their five children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. After the War, Anthony joined the family business and later became President and owner of Thomas Danella Furs, Inc. He was fair and well-versed in his line of work as a furrier. Anthony knew in his heart of hearts what was right and he used this knowledge as his moral compass. Family was one of Anthony’s most precious possessions; they were his anchor and he treasured the time with them. He took nothing for granted and lived his life with honor and honesty which charted the course of his faithful journey. Perseverance, compassion, and an innate wisdom allowed him to live a simple and complete life. He practiced his Catholic faith at Historic Old St. John’s Church and served as a parish lector. Singing alongside his late wife Josephine with the members of his extended family of the church choir was a special gift and a forte that was joyous for him for many years. Anthony was an avid NY Yankees fan and followed them religiously. He enjoyed the challenge of crossword and acrostics puzzles, always completing them “in pen”. He was fond of making up stories for the grandchildren, got a kick out of goofy jokes (the kind that make you groan), and he could change the words to any song to fit any occasion. He never met a piece of chocolate he didn’t like. Anthony belonged to the Utica Opera Guild, later the Mohawk Valley Opera Society, the Utica Curling Club, New Hartford Rotary, the American Legion, AARP, and Cedar Lake Golf Club where he made a hole-in-one during his first season as well as enjoyed many rounds of golf with his wife, his brothers, and his neighbors. Anthony leaves to mourn him his five children and their loves, Anthony L., Jr. and Coleen Zangrilli of The Villages, FL, Bernadette and Jerry DeMauro of Charlotte, NC, Christopher and Linda Zangrilli of New Hartford, Donna and Dennis Osano of Frederick, MD, and Nancy Zangrilli Manley of New Hartford. He always kept close the memory of his son-in-law, Thomas L. Manley, Sr. who passed away on September 4, 1997. He will also be remembered by his adored and treasured grandchildren, Dian and Lt. Colonel Jonathon Roginski/US Army, Anthony III and Mollie Zangrilli; Joseph and Joanne DeMauro, Gina DeMauro, Michael DeMauro; Eric Zangrilli and Stacey Griffith, Jason and MaryEllen Zangrilli, Steven and Danielle Zangrilli; Jacob and Judy Zangrilli, and Rachael and Edward Horvath; his loving thirteen great-grandchildren, and the anticipation of number fourteen due in February; He is also survived by his sister, Mary Grace Guerra of Utica; his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and sister-in-law, Barbara Zangrilli of Whitesboro. He was predeceased by his sister and brother-in-law, Anne and Alfred Pardi; his brothers and sisters-in-law, John J. and Philomena Zangrilli, Raymond Sr. and Palma “Polly” Zangrilli, and Albert A. Zangrilli; and his brothers-in-law, Guy A. Danella, and Paul Guerra. The family expresses sincere thanks to the personnel of Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. for their guidance and care at the appropriate time; home healthcare provider Linda from U.S. Care Systems, Inc. who cared so much for Anthony; and Fr. John Buehler, his parish priest and friend who prayed for him with a personal and spiritual reverence. Anthony’s family will honor and commemorate his life at a private time. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Anthony’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Thursday morning at 10:00 at Historic Old St. John’s Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Fr. John Buehler and con-celebrant Fr. John Flanagan with Military Honors conferred. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of Mass. Entombment will take place in Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum at Holy Trinity Cemetery.

Mr. Anthony L. Zangrilli Sr.

September 12, 1919 - November 14, 2015