Anthony “Tony/Pa” DeMattia
Anthony “Tony/Pa” DeMattia entered eternal rest on October 13, 2022 after fearlessly facing a long battle against diabetes, heart and kidney disease. Tony was born on January 3, 1949 in San Michele di Serino, Avellino, Italy. Tony journeyed to America with his parents in 1962. Tony is survived by his loving wife of 51 beautiful years, Diane Prusasky DeMattia of Stratford, formerly of Fairfield. Also survived by his daughters, Michele DeMattia Scholz of Monroe and Jennifer DeMattia and partner Adam Bossio of Stratford. Tony leaves behind his beloved amazing grandchildren, Stephen Anthony, Juliana, Trevor, and William Scholz; as well as Makenzie Bossio. Tony also leaves behind many in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, whom he loved dearly. Tony was predeceased by his twin grandchildren Hailey and Cameron Scholz; as well as his parents, Michelina Mele and Fiore DeMattia.
Tony owned and made many lifelong friends in the supermarket business before opening his neighborhood deli, DeMattia’s Market, on Oldfield Road in Fairfield before moving to Southport Village, as DeMattia’s Deli and Catering, until his retirement. Many may remember Tony as the dependable Ice Cream Man who traveled all through town and especially loved serving at parties. Throughout the years, he volunteered at the concession stands at Fairfield Pop Warner Field, Fairfield Ludlowe High School, and various baseball fields in town.
Tony was a dedicated grandfather who rightfully earned his name of Pa. Tony devoted his entire life to the joy of spending time with his grandchildren. He enthusiastically took part in all their activities and sports; football, basketball, lacrosse, rugby, cheerleading, and soccer, where he was known by all as “Pa.” He loved cooking Sunday Funday Family Dinners and thoroughly enjoyed family game night, especially when he cheated hoping no one would notice.
Tony was a devout Catholic, active in St. Anthony’s Parish, as well as being a part of Assumption Parish’s SeptemberFest. In 2016 he was awarded the Diocese of Bridgeport St. Augustine Medal of Service, from St. Anthony’s, as well as receiving plaques from the American Diabetes Association and the Fairfield PBA. Tony was also an active member of Lions Club. He was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need, always with a smile on his face, putting the needs of others before his own. Tony had a positive impact on each life that crossed his path and was loved by all. His loud presence filled every room he entered as he touched hundreds of lives with his big heart making priceless memories wherever he went. Tony was passionate about life and his absence will have a lasting impact on us all. Be free and rest easy Tony... go cook up some chicken cutlets, meatballs, sausage and peppers, and biscotti for the angels above, we love you Pa!
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, at 11:00a.m., meeting directly in St. Anthony of Padua Church, 149 South Pine Creek Road, Fairfield, with a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will be private. Friends may call Tuesday from 4:00p.m. to 8:00p.m., in the Redgate – Hennessy Funeral Home, Main Street and 4 Gorham Place, Trumbull. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to the American Diabetes Association or the National Kidney Foundation. To send online condolences, please visit www.redgatehennessy.com