MYSTIC — Tony Abosso, 95, of Mystic, CT, the last surviving family member of his generation, died peacefully January 28, 2024, at Mystic Healthcare, where he had resided since August 2023.
He was born June 27, 1928, in Bradford, RI, a son of the late Joseph and Josephine (Capalbo) Abosso. His first name was originally Sylvester, and he also went by the nickname Sonny (which reflected his sunny disposition), but he later changed his first name to Tony, which he said was a good Italian name.
Tony grew up and attended schools in Westerly, RI. He then served in the U.S. Air Force in Chicago, IL, during the closing days of World War II, being honorably discharged in 1949. After the service, Tony went to work in a small printing company in Chicago, where he learned how to operate printing presses and similar machinery. He later went to work as a pressman for the Chicago Tribune, working there until he and his family returned to Westerly, RI, in 1971. He continued his career with the New London Day, eventually becoming the lead pressman until his retirement in the late 1980s. He then worked a number of various jobs to keep himself busy, such as groundskeeper for a condominium complex in New London, CT, a bagboy for the Stop & Shop supermarket in Waterford, CT, and a cashier at Dunkin Donuts, also in Waterford, CT. He worked until he was almost 80 years old.
Prior to moving to Mystic Healthcare, Tony had lived at Greentree Manor nursing home in Waterford, CT, for four years. He had previously lived on Douglas Lane in Waterford for many years.
Tony was a rough and rugged man in his younger years, but he became ever so kind and gregarious as he got older. He was one of the most well-liked residents at both Mystic Healthcare and Greentree Manor.
Musically gifted, Tony taught himself to play the guitar as a child. He liked to play on the front steps of the homes along his street, entertaining the other children and families of the neighborhood, many of whom were his cousins. When he grew up, he enjoyed playing the guitar in various bands, two of which, The Melody Trio and The 3 Sharps, would perform in restaurants and similar locations. Tony played the guitar well into his 90s. He also taught himself to play the piano in his later years. He played strictly by ear and mastered many genres of music, such as ragtime, jazz, and popular hits.
Tony also had a creative side. He loved to build massive masonry projects, such as stone walls, backyard waterfalls and fish ponds, many of which still exist to this day.
He also spent many years studying the Bible in depth, and he tried to live his life in harmony with its principals.
Tony had seven children with his former wife, the late Shirley (Wing) Abosso. He is survived by five of his children, Debra Meashintubby, Dawn Lepore, Diane Welles, Dane Abosso and Danita Courtney. He is also survived by 24 grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his daughter Dina Wood and his son Del Abosso, his brothers Dominic Abosso and Joseph “Bud” Abosso, and his sisters Rose Grills, Eleanor Oliverio and Cathrine Plowman.
The funeral will be private.
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