Anthony W. D’Antonio

Anthony “Tony” W. D’Antonio, 75, of Middletown, passed away on May 13 in Hartford. Tony was born on October 10, 1947 in Middletown and was the son of the late Anthony L. and Elsie B. (Rossitto) D’Antonio.

After Tony graduated from Middletown High School in 1967, he went on to fight in the Vietnam War and was a Veteran of the U.S. Army, during which he received the Vietnam Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and the Bronze Star Medal, achieving the rank of Specialist of the 1st Infantry Division. In 1974, Tony began working at Grippo’s Mobil in Durham and settled in Middletown. While working there he formed many friendships and a lifelong bond and close relationship with his boss and good friend, Peter Grippo. He would remain an employee of Grippo’s Mobil for 48 years.

In 2022, Tony retired and loved spending his time with his nephew, Mason, watching him play college and summer baseball. He also enjoyed spoiling his cat, CeCe. Tony loved to travel all over to baseball games, family outings, and going to see his nephew, Nick Neumann, and niece, Marissa, over the years; alongside his niece, Michelle, nephew, Mason, and special friend, Philip Salonia. Tony was extremely proud of his nephews,

Nick and Mason, and their accomplishments. Tony always said his happiest times were spent with Mason, Nick, Marissa, Michelle, Phil and two very dear friends, Linda and Angelo Passanissi. He was so happy every time his good friend, Eddie Shackett, would swing by.

Tony is survived by his sister Barbara Triblets (Corey) and Nancy Bordonaro (Michale) both of Portland, his brother Fred Rossitto ( Joan) of Portland, and Anthony “TJ” Rossitto of Colebrook, NH, his special nephews Mason Neumann of Middletown, Nick Neumann, (Marissa of Bowie, MD), his special niece Michelle Cote of Middletown, very special friend Phillip Salonia of Middletown, nephew Tom Hajek ( Jen) of Stratford, and many more nieces and nephews and cousins. Tony was predeceased by his sister, Patricia Hajek.

Graveside services with full military honors will be held on Monday, May 22 in the State Veterans Cemetery, Middletown at 10am. The Couhlin-Lastrina Funeral Home, 491 High Street, Middletown is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his honor to Antique Veterans Senior Center, 22 West Main St., Meriden, CT 06451.