Anthony Artino
East Lyme— Anthony “Tony” Rosario Artino, 72, of Niantic, passed away at home, surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2014, after a short but courageous battle with cancer.
Tony was born in New London on July 3, 1941. He graduated from New London High School, after which he joined the Army and served for three years, including a time oversees in Korea. During his time in the Army he received training and education in electronics. Tony was married to Carol Ann Day on May 7, 1966; they were married for 47 years and lived in Niantic.
Tony worked for the Southern New England Telephone Co. for 27 years, starting out as an installer/repairman and working his way up to operations manager from which he retired in 1991. He then worked at TelAid Industries for 20 years.
Tony got the most joy in life through his many hobbies and his family. He was a master at the art of stained glass, making Tiffany lamp reproductions. He is probably best known in town for his “Tony’s Famous Tomato Plants” stand, from which he sold thousands of tomato plants yearly, using the honor system. Each year he grew an extensive garden, filled with many varieties of vegetables, most of which were started from seed. Tony was an avid golfer, playing for many years on “Tony’s Well Drilling” league at Cedar Ridge and the D.O.G.S. league and with his many friends and family. He loved the New York Yankees and UCONN men’s basketball, but most of all, he loved being with his friends and family, and boasting about how proud he was of his three children and eight grandchildren, each for different and special reasons.
Tony is survived by his loving wife Carol; and their three children and spouses, Sherry and John Comar of Marinette, Wis., Julie and George Papanier of Old Lyme, and his namesake, Dr. Anthony Rosario Jr. and Teri Artino of Gaitherburg, Md.; eight grandchildren, Courtney, Nathan, Abigail, Isabella, Olivia, Anthony Rosario III, Jack and Aiden; and his two sisters, Rosemarie Basilica and Betty Ann McKeith; and sister-inlaw and brother-in-law, Donna and Joe Ricciardelli; and other family and friends.
Tony is preceded in death by his parents, Bennie and Anna Artino.
His family will receive relatives and friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Impellitteri-Malia Funeral Home, 84 Montauk Ave., New London. Family and friends are asked to gather at 11 a.m. Tuesday, for a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Agnes Church, 22 Haigh St., Niantic. Interment with military honors in Union Cemetery Niantic.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Cancer Society American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718 and Center for Hospice Care Southeast Connecticut, 227 Dunham St., Norwich, CT 06360.
The family of Anthony Artino wishes to thank Center for Hospice Care Southeast Connecticut for their support.
Obituaries are accepted from funeral directors.
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