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Giovanni Pizzadili Obituary

FELTON - Giovanni Antonio 'Tony' Pizzadili, 75, of Felton, passed away Thursday, Oct. 28, 2010, in Williamsburg, Va., with his wife at his side, after celebrating their 28th wedding anniversary. Tony was born in Pattada, on the Island of Sardinia, Italy, on July 29, 1935. He was the son of Sabina Porcu Pizzadili and Salvatore Pizzadili both of Pattada, Italy. The family immigrated to America in May of 1956. After immigrating, Tony worked for his uncle at Pizzadili Delicatessen. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1957 were he served for two years and spent an 18 month tour in Korea. Tony also served 10 years in the Army Reserves. From 1959 to 1968, Tony worked for the State of Delaware Department of Highway. In addition to working full time, he continued to work at Pizzadili and attended Wesley College to get an Associates of Arts Degree. Ultimately, Tony achieved a Bachelors of Science degree in Mathematics from Delaware State College in June 1969. Tony and his brother Pete became the sole proprietors of Pizzadili Delicatessen that same year. Along with several other businesses, Tony and Pete had two stands at the Delaware State Fair and celebrated their 50th anniversary this past year. In one of his most proudest moments, Tony and Pete opened the first Winery in Kent County, the second in the state of Delaware. Tony was an avid reader. He loved history and books. He was very proud of this country to have served it and to have lived the American Dream. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a loyal brother. He served the public for 54 years. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen V. Pizzadili of 28 years; two daughters, Antonia Maria Pizzadili, and Giovanna Adriana Pizzadili of Felton; his dearest brother and best friend, Pete and his wife Jean Pizzadili of Felton; two nieces, Wendy Pizzadili and Angela Pizzadili Felton; a sister, Maria Antonia Cambarau and her husband Alfredo Cambarau of Italy; a nephew, Salvatore Cambarau; one niece, Paola Cambarau; and a great-nephew, Nicola Cambarau, all of Italy. Family and friends can pay their respects at Holy Cross Church between 9 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2010. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. in the church and burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery in Dover. The family suggest donations be given to Delaware Disabled Veterans and Delaware Veterans Hospital in Milford, Delaware. Letters of condolence may be sent to [email protected] or www.delmarvaobits.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Delaware State News from Oct. 31 to Nov. 1, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Giovanni Pizzadili

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Jean Burke

November 13, 2010

Tony's sudden death was a shock to all of us.It's still hard to believe he's no longer with us.When I walk into the store there's an enptyness,not hearing his voice,and seeing that sweet smile he always greeted me with.
We've known Pete and Tony for over fify years,growing up we have always loved them.Tony will certainly be Missed,but never fogotten.
Our heartfelt sympathies go out to Pete and the entire Pizzadili family.

Cindy Witt

November 5, 2010

One week has passed,and the thought of Tony's passing is still very sad to think of. I would consider Tony, as well as his brother, Pete, an icon for the way they run their businesses,and for their close ties to their family. They are both wonderful examples to the younger generation of how a husband, father, brother, owner and friend should be. To the entire Pizzadili family, our family extends our deepest condolences on your loss. May you find comfort in one another, and in your many fond memories of Tony.
Sincerely,
Cindy, Gary & John Witt

Mary & Tim Blagg

November 5, 2010

We lived in Delaware in the late 1960s and Pizzadili's was our favorite sub shop. When we visit family now, a Pizzadili sub is a required part of our stay. Tony and Pete always remembered my husband with a friendly hello. On our most recent trip, Pete showed us the beautiful winery. The loss of one of the Pizzadili brothers is a sad one. We are glad he saw his dreams come true - he earned everything he acquired. Our prayers are with the family.

Lisa Maria Rochford

November 3, 2010

In April of 1976 I walked into Pizzadili's Deli. Pete and my father decided that I needed a job . Funny, I had NO SAY in the matter. I worked for Pete and Tony for almost 5 years. It was the first job I ever had. They became my mentors, my "family" and my friends. I have fond memories of that time in my life. The Harrington Fair,dinner at Pete and Jeannies, cook outs in their back yard, getting stitches when I fell off of Tony's Fiat , the list goes on. A piece of my heart is missing. God Bless the entire Pizzadili family. Pete, I can not imagine your pain. I am here for you. I can still make a mean sub, construct an awesome party tray. Take a break if and when you need it, I am only a phone call away.

Stephanie Cool

November 2, 2010

My deepest heartfelt sympathies go out to the Pizzadili family, one of the most sincere and nicest families in town. I remember Tony very well having grown up my whole life going to the family deli with my Dad. Tony was always so nice to speak to and to not see him any more on my visits back to Delaware to get my favorite rice pudding will be very sad. Tony you will be truly missed. God received a very kind and selfless man back to him.

Patricia Zabel

November 2, 2010

My sincere sympathy to the Pizzadili family. May you find comfort in your memories. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

Barbara Gorman Cool

November 2, 2010

How sad to hear of the loss of a man who was a pillar to his community and a most beloved man. My heartfelt sympathy to his family and friends. I haven't seen him in years... but I still and always will remember him fondly.

Jennifer Burke-Derr

November 2, 2010

Words can not describe how sad I am to know that I won't hear Tony's voice again or see his smile. I've known Tony my whole life and even worked for him for 3 years as a teenager in High School. I live in NC now but everytime I go home to DE I always go over to visit with Tony. Tony knows my parents and my grandparents and always told me stories about my grandfather who I never knew. He always gave me advice, joked around with me and had serious conversations with me. He was a very kind, compassionate, hardworking, family man. Tony was very loved and he will never be forgotten. I feel blessed to have known him. My thoughts & prayers go out to his wonderful family. I know a piece of them is missing now and I pray they find the comfort they need.

Jon & Louise Andrews

November 2, 2010

Our condolences to Tony's extended family and friends. As a classmate at Wesley, Tony introduced me to a sandwich called a sub in 1966. Took me to the deli at lunch from college and cooked it himself. Wow!! Still the best ever. We will miss his smile and kind comments over the years.

George Reed III

November 2, 2010

Our condolences to the Pizzadili family,My dad started taking me to the deli when I was old enough to walk,Tony and Pete always greeted us with a smile.Tony truly was a wonderful and giving person and the world would be a better place if more people were like him.please know that our prayers are with the family at this difficult time.

Anna Quail and Family

November 2, 2010

We send our deepest sympathy to the Pizzadili Family. We will keep your family in our prayers through the difficult time. Tony will be missed by all of us.

Gary & Cheryl Anthony

November 2, 2010

Our deepest sympathies go out to the entire Pizzadili family. We have been customers for over 30 years and have always been greeted with a warm smile and a kind word. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

LARRY & ROSE MALLERY&FAMILY

November 2, 2010

Kathy, Antonia, & Adriana,
Remember he is not gone, Tony is now your Angel watching over all of you. Our hearts are with you and our thoughts of you as you get thru this time are at every moment.
Love,
Larry & Rose
Crystal & Jordan
Larry Jr. & Nikki

John Ballinger

November 1, 2010

Tony not only did you give me a job in 1996, you also became a mentor to me. I thank you for all the advice during the army and even when I got out in 2005. You will be missed and my thoughts are with your family.

Michael Weyant

November 1, 2010

Every time, I entered thier store he would always take the time to say kind things to me. It was a real pleasure knowing him and a true friend I felt as extended family! I can not forget these words that he always said to me. Do you know who was my First Sergent and the great times he had serving with our father.
Always a friend,
Michael Weyant, Dover, Delaware

Manuela Manenti-Wright

November 1, 2010

WE are very sorry to read of Tony death. He was a very kind and thoughtful man, full of faith, love for his brother Pete, his family, his customers, and his adopted country. He made us proud of being native Italians.
Our heartfelt sympathies go to Pete and the entire Pizzadili Family.
Tony, ora tu sei in Paradiso con Gesu', Maria e tutti i tuoi cari. Prega per noi.



Manuela e Gene Wright, Milford, Delaware

November 1, 2010

We love the Pizzadili family and will miss Tony deeply. Our long family friendship is rich with many fond memories. Tony always loved his family and included others in that warmth. He was a kind and giving man and he always welcomed our family as his own. With deepest sympathy, the Makdad family.

Ethel Slagle

November 1, 2010

I've known Tony all my life.He was the kindness man you would ever meet.Always greet you with a warm smile.And most of all, a dear friend to my whole family. R.I.P. Tony..

Sarah Pizzadili Delaney

November 1, 2010

Tony was a wonderful man and a great cousin. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Joseph E. Huttie

November 1, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Pizzadili Family. Tony will be deeply missed by my family and the many Delaware State Police officers that had the pleasure and privilege of knowing him.

Troy Sieck

November 1, 2010

I send my deepest sympathy to the Pizzadili family. Tony was a wonderful person and I was truly blessed by being able to have known him. From my family to yours

November 1, 2010

Our deepest sympathies go out the the Pizzadili family during this sad time. Office of Alumni Relations, JMU.

November 1, 2010

Our family sends our heartflet sympathy to all of Tonys Family. we are so saddened in his loss. What a wonderful friendly man he was. With our love John & Ann Farley and Linda Pirece and Caitlyn Pierce

Holly Case

October 31, 2010

I am so sorry to hear about Tony. He was a truly kind man and I know his family will greatly miss him. My family was originally from Felton and always admired the Pizzadili family for their values, hard work, and courage to come to a strange county. American is a better place because of people like Tony. My thoughts are with his family at this time.

October 31, 2010

Our sincerest sympathies to the Pizzadili family on your loss. Our thoughts are with you all.

Angelo and Nancy Abbate

Cathy Adamo

October 31, 2010

I would like to send my heartfelt condolences to the family. Tony & Pete gave me my first after school job, and were one of the best people I ever worked for. Pete, you will remember me because of John Brown. I moved away 25 years ago, and don't get up that way much anymore. I know your heart is heavy Pete and I am so sorry for your families loss.

John and Rose Marie Sztybel

October 31, 2010

We are so very sorry to hear about Tony. We only met him a couple of years ago but we enjoyed our visits to the winery and chatting with him. He was a gentleman and so very charming and entertaining. Our deepest condolences go out to his family. He will truly be missed.

Carole Hammond

October 31, 2010

My thoughts are will all of you at this sad time. Tony was a very special guy. The world is better because of him. Bless all of the Pizzadili family. Remember all the fun times, it makes the sad times easier. Carole Hammond, Felton.

Sal Guinta, Jr.

October 31, 2010

May I express my heartfelt sympothy to all the family. Even though I have known Tony for many years, I have not spent enough time with him. I know he is with the Lord for he was truly a wonderful person. May God be with you Tony.

The Kimmey's

October 31, 2010

We send our deepest sympathy to the Pizzadili Family. We will keep your family in our prayers through the difficult time. Peace be with you all.

Marc Kucek

October 31, 2010

My condolences to the Pizzadili family. Tony was the brother I never had. I so enjoyed my weekly visits with him. I will miss him dearly, as will all who knew him.

Pete Nellius

October 31, 2010

Our condolences to the Pizzadilli family. Decon Pete Nellius and Lynn, Holy Cross

Suzy Mobley

October 31, 2010

My deepest sympathy to family of Tony.
He will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him. Being a customer of the Deli for 30 years he once commented that I was a friend not just a customer.That is how he treated everyone who came through those doors.We always spoke of family and you could see the pride in his heart when he spoke of his.
Suzy Mobley

October 31, 2010

So sorry to hear of the family's loss. Tony was a true gentleman. The Phillippi Family

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