Anthony William D'Angelo

1971 - 2023

Anthony William D'Angelo, 51, lovingly known as "Meatball" passed away on February 22, 2023 at UConn- John Dempsey Hospital, Farmington, CT. During the past three weeks of this last hospitalization his family was with him every day. Tony was born on May 30, 1971 in Hartford, CT. His family moved to Farmington in 1972 where he grew up, attending local schools and graduated from Farmington High School, Class of 1989. Born of immigrant parents, he was blessed with so many family and friends with lifelong support from both Italy and England. He was the son of Rudolfo A. D'Angelo and the late Beryl D'Angelo (who passed away -5 months ago, on September 28, 2022). He leaves behind his beloved children, Anthony Thomas and Jackie Rose, whom he loved dearly. He also leaves behind their mother, Gina Evans D'Angelo, and Gina's mother, Paulette who continued to love him as a son. Tony was a Master Painter who worked for area painting and decorating companies until he formed his own business - AD Painting of Farmington – which he ran for over 20 years. His work can still be seen in many Farmington Valley homes and businesses. He often did work pro bono and gave everyone "the family rate." No job was too big or too small and he worked hard to make all of his new customers and repeat clients satisfied with his work and attention to detail.

In addition to his beloved father to grieve for him, he leaves behind Ellen Fenton D'Angelo who was not only his stepmother, but his treasured friend who gave him unconditional kindness and support. He also leaves behind Ellen's son Jeff and Jeff's two children. He was predeceased by both his paternal and maternal grandparents, his favorite uncle Louy, his auntie Joanne, and his British auntie Maureen, and British uncles Billy and Freddie. He was also predeceased by his young cousins- Jason D'Angelo, his Italian cousin Leo, his British cousins Donna and Jackie, for whom his daughter was named. He was also predeceased by Tom Evans, his father-in-law and friend.

He leaves behind his auntie Diana who lovingly gave him so many massages, reiki, and the many treats and attention he loved; his auntie Annette, the "best cook ever" who filled his life with much love and laughter; and his caring, patient, loving uncle Joe who was always there for him. He leaves behind his loving cousins Tracy, Mike, Jen, Nick, Christina and Lisa. He leaves behind many British cousins including Tracy and Terry Smith who emigrated here, and many cousins in Italy.

Tony was the embodiment of love for his fellow man. He was so much more than his disease which did not define him as a man. He loved unconditionally. He truly believed in live and let live. He was not judgmental. He didn't care much for money or material things. He loved his good friends which he easily made everywhere. He was a very sociable people person who did not like being alone. He worked hard, partied hard, laughed hard, cried hard, suffered hard and he remained a complex sensitive man with a heart and soul as big as they come. He loved the Pittsburgh Steelers, owning and riding Harley-Davidsons – especially his "shovel head" – and other dirt bikes, three-wheelers, quads, and snowmobiles. He loved his first car- a 1969 Pontiac G.T.O. He loved the outdoors where he regained some calmness and serenity to battle his depressions and rough days. Riding his Harley alone or with friends was therapeutic to him. He was fond of the music of his 70's-80's era – Grateful Dead, Led Zeppelin, KISS, Ozzy, Allman Brothers, Black Sabbath and many others. As a young boy he loved TV shows like "The Dukes of Hazzard" and "The Hulk". He loved to cook- "with a lot of garlic" – and he was a very good cook indeed! He respected the elderly and helped the disabled. He loved children. He loved pets. He called the mothers of his closest friends "Mom" who in turn loved Tony back like an adopted son. He was lovingly known as "Uncle Tony" and "Uncle Meatball" to many children and he was Godfather to John, David, Jack and Lisa.

Tony believed in God, his patron St. Anthony, St. Francis of Assisi and he prayed hard for strength and resilience and that God would not allow anyone he loved to carry the same curse he suffered with. Tony was spiritual in many ways that most people never knew. He would get emotional over a beautiful song, a powerful movie, and the suffering and passing of his family members and many friends that he lost over the years. For those who got to really know him, he became well loved and understood. For those that stayed away, it was their loss. Two other special friends that Tony met at age 10 during a trip to California were Dr. Libro E. DiZinno, Tony's "second dad", and his wife Susan. They called each other almost weekly and stayed in contact until Tony's last hours. He has also had the concern and support of the Fenton Family over the years. Another positive for Tony was that his good friends became our family friends and many of our family friends became Tony's friends- to quote an old statement that his father often said to Tony: " Son, friends that mind don't matter and friends that matter don't mind"…

As his malignant, fatal disease advanced, Tony fought hard, never giving up, time after time, year after year, setback after setback, for he knew he had inherited a terrible gene. Tony was never in denial. Tony made mistakes in his young life but he was always remorseful and genuinely apologetic. He made many friends in AA that cared deeply about him and his health. As he continued on through those 12 years of the painful and debilitating journey that led him to where he is now, he has finally found the peace and serenity that often eluded him in his short life. Now he is out of pain. No more tears. No more worries. No more shame and guilt. No more sorrow. He will be reunited with his beloved mom and his departed uncles, aunts and cousins who are waiting for him with open arms. Rest in Peace Tony, for you have earned your place with the angels. We will miss you always.

Tony was a charitable man who often donated to those less fortunate, whether it was time, funds, clothes, food and prayers…and his wish was that you pay it forward, give to the charities of your choice, treat one another with love and kindness, love your children and families as he loved his. Count your blessings, be they big or small and never give up. A suggested charity that meant a lot to Tony was The Little People of America (LPA) New England District #1, 36 Anthony Road, Franklin, MA 02038.

The family also wishes to thank the wonderful and compassionate care given to Tony by Accent Care Hospice – and the dedicated nurses who made Tony's passing so peaceful – Mary, Johann, Brenna, Amy, Kim and Cait. They are truly the Florence Nightingales of our times. The hospice team also includes Pastor Albert and Social Services to the family by Esther. Finally we wish to extend our deep gratitude to Father Matt Gworek of St. Patrick Church in Farmington who provided great comfort to Tony right to the end of his journey.

Friends may call at The Ahern Funeral Home, 111 Main St., Rt. 4, Unionville on Wednesday, March 1st from 5:00-8:00pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, March 2nd at 10:00am in the Church of St. Patrick, 110 Main St., Farmington. All are kindly asked to meet directly at church. Burial will be in the family plot at Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford. To send online condolences to the family, please visit www.ahernfuneralhome.com.