James Louis TONINA

TONINA, James Louis James Louis Tonina, beloved husband for more than 50 years to Maria (Volzo) Tonina; adoring father of Patricia (Tonina) Murrone of Middletown and Maureen (Tonina) Thompson of Cromwell; and doting grandfather to Kristen Murrone, Daniel Thompson, Kelley Murrone, Michael Thompson and Andrew Murrone, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family at Middlesex Memorial Hospital's Weiss Hospice Center after a courageous battle with cancer on December 4, 2009. Born November 3, 1933, the eldest child of Lolanda and Giacomo Tonina from the Bronx, NY, he earned a Bachelor's degree in Economics and graduated Cum Laude from the City College of New York. He honorably served his country in the U.S. Army before returning to civilian life and moving to Kensington with his family. He enjoyed a successful and distinguished career with Fafnir Bearing Company and later the Torrington Company as an Inventory Production Control Manager retiring in 1991 and was a member of the Production and Inventory Control Society. He married the love of his life, Maria (Volzo) Tonina, with whom he raised two beautiful and accomplished daughters and was blessed with five grandchildren whose lives he provided with benevolent mentoring. In addition to serving his country in the U.S. Army, James served the Parish of St. Sebastian Roman Catholic Church in Middletown as a lector and member of its Finance Committee. Besides his adoring wife, daughters and grandchildren listed above, he is survived by his brother, Norman and his wife Pat Tonina of Kensington; his sister, Claire and her husband Wilson Morin of Southington; his loving son-in-Iaws John Murrone of Middletown, and Robert Thompson of Cromwell, to whom he was an inspiration by his faith, love and devotion to his family. He is also survived by many dear nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all of his caregivers at Middlesex Weiss Hospice Center at Middlesex Hospital namely Mary, Jill, Adele, Kelly, Erin, Robin, Jose, Sherri, Trudy, Carla, Linda, Nadine, Chris, Becky, Shannon, and Melanie, who provided loving care and support throughout the final stages of his courageous battle with cancer. The family would also like to thank Drs. Alekshun and Karasik of Hartford Hospital for their excellent care throughout his courageous battle. The family will receive relatives and friends at D'Angelo Funeral Home, 22 S. Main St., Middletown, on Tuesday, December 8, 2009, from 4-8 p.m. A Funeral Mass followed by Christian Burial will be held at St. Sebastian Roman Catholic Church, 155 Washington St., Middletown, on Wednesday, December 9, 2009. At 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Middlesex Weiss Hospice Center, 28 Crescent St., Middletown, CT, 06457.