Antonio Del Rosario

Groton — Antonio Abad Del Rosario, 83, of Groton, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023, after a prolonged battle with cancer and dementia. He was born June 24, 1940, in Manila, the Philippines, the son of Abundio and Herminigilda Del Rosario. He was deeply proud of his Filipino heritage and had been president of his local Filipino American Association chapter.

Antonio served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years on early nuclear submarines, including the USS Cavalla, and in Vietnam. He retired as personnel man chief petty officer (submarine specialist) then went on to work in civil service and start multiple businesses, including a restaurant and janitorial services. He was an expert sewer and upholsterer, fisherman, car enthusiast and avid UConn women’s basketball fan (especially when they won big).

Antonio loved his wife and daughters and their home in Groton, where he spent many hours joyfully caring for their garden and flowers. A proud Lolo, he adored his granddaughters and enjoyed cooking big family meals.

Antonio is survived by his loving wife of 58 years Josefina (Martinez) Del Rosario; daughter Jessica Del Rosario and her husband Timothy Regele; daughter Jennifer Del Rosario Saunders, her husband Anthony Saunders and their children, Madeline, Morgan and Marley; sister Emma Del Rosario-Chan; and brothers, Gervacio Abad, Alfredo Del Rosario and Oscar Del Rosario.

Visitation will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22, followed by a funeral service beginning at 11 a.m. at Byles-Groton Memorial Home, 310 Thames St., in Groton. Interment will follow with military honors at Starr Burying Ground in Groton. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Antonio’s memory to: SubVets Groton, at www. ussvigroton.org/donations, or mailed to SubVets, 40 School St., Groton, CT 06340. Please visit www.byles.com to sign the online register.