Anthony Alfred Norelli

Anthony Alfred Norelli, 83, beloved husband, father, grandfather, servant of Jesus and friend, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 25, 2025, in the comfort of his own home, with family by his side.

Anthony was born in Brooklyn, NY on April 19, 1942. He leaves behind his wife of 60 years, Mary Ann (Macco) Norelli, who was his sweetheart for 67 years, since they met as neighbors on the same Brooklyn street. She was his faithful RN and main caretaker during his illness.

Anthony leaves behind 3 daughters and 9 grandchildren, and many friends throughout his long life who he considered family. His daughters Sallianne Norelli and Gina Ann (Norelli) Kain and her husband Matthew Kain, his grandsons Joseph Felix Norelli, Anthony Alfred Kain (his name sake), and Kevin Warren Kain, were all blessed to have loved and been loved by their dear father and grandfather for so many years.

Anthony also leaves behind his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Carmela and Edward Jankowski. He also leaves his niece Jennifer Persico and her family, nephew John Jankowski and his family, and niece Christina Magnano and her family as well as his cousin, Dr. Vincent Tremaglio, who was like a brother to him, and his wife Cindy, as well as many other nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents Michael and Anna (Ferrara) Norelli, two brothers, Arnold Norelli and Michael Norelli (Ann) and his in-laws Salvatore and Clara Macco, who were married for 67 years. He was beloved uncle to his brother Michael's and his wife Ann's seven children.

Anthony loved his country and was a military veteran, serving in the United States Navy and often wearing his USS Lake Champlain CV-39 service hat wherever he went, enjoying sparking conversations with fellow veterans. He was honored to be the Veteran Keynote speaker at the 2012 Litchfield Memorial Day Service on the Green.

Anthony lived a full life of service, always being the first person to volunteer to sign up to help others. This included serving as a Bethlehem EMT and firefighter, a Builder for Christ, Disaster Relief and Sick Ministry Chaplain and faithful Bible teacher and Deacon.

An avid reader and history buff, he also volunteered and gave tours at the Bethlehem Historical Society. He rushed to New Orleans' 9th Ward in Hurricane Katrina's aftermath to help those whose lives and homes were destroyed.

Anthony worked as a technician for Southern New England Telephone for 35 years before retiring in 1994. He proudly would point out The Twin Towers on every trip to see family in Brooklyn, reminding his family that he had the honor of working on the telephone wiring for those magnificent buildings when they went up in the 1960s. When the Towers fell, he went down to Ground Zero to offer the comfort of Jesus to the people of New York City.

Anthony was a bright light and encourager to his family, always present to help and offer wisdom. He was always sure to pace until everyone came home safely, to hold purses while his girls shopped and was even known to drive his daughters to their job interviews.

He had a brilliance, generosity, kindness, winning smile, sense of humor, and larger-than-life personality. He could easily talk to anyone about anything. He was a Master of Ceremony at many events and acted in Community theater and sang in the church Cantata. He loved to travel, shop, eat out, and drive, and was the best driving instructor to his daughters, who still hear his words whenever they drive. He drove across the country three times in his later years to see the entire country that he loved. He enjoyed oil painting, car shows, playing the guitar and taking black and white photographs. He had a model train collection, which made him the coolest grandfather, and 6 consecutive male dachshunds throughout his lifetime, all named Fritzi.

Anthony's family wishes to acknowledge the staff of Vitas, especially Isabella, Nadia and Joanne, nurses Julie, Kathleen and Elizabeth, home health aides Juan, Carol and Katty, all who were so compassionate. A special thank you to our friends and family and those who gave emotional and physical support, especially son-in-law Matthew, who gave tirelessly. With all of these angels, his support and care were exceptional.

Interment with Military Honors and a Celebration of Life will be private and at the convenience of the family. Please consider donating in Anthony's name to a charity that supports Disaster Relief.