Anthony J. Macchiaroli

1935 - 2025

Anthony J. 'Tony' Macchiaroli of North Huntingdon, 89, passed away on Feb. 25, 2025, at his home. Tony was born June 8, 1935, in Bellosguardo, province of Salerno, Italy, the son of the late Giuseppe and Angela Parente Macchiaroli. At the age of 3, Tony became an orphan. Louise Macchiaroli, his father's sister, removed him from a daycare managed by the nuns. Aunt Louise had four children: Amalia, Maria, Matthew, and Johnny. Tony became her fifth child to care for in Italy. Aunt Louise taught him strong work ethics. At the age of 17, Tony arrived in the United States on March 10, 1953 (after waiting eight years). Tony had 35 cents in his pocket. Tony was lovingly sponsored by Uncle Vito Parente and his wife Anna and resided in East Pittsburgh, PA. In 1957, he went into Braddock Hospital for appendix surgery and met a student nurse, Rosemarie Billey, who became the love of his life. On July 14, 1959, they married and had two sons. In 1958, he opened a shoe repair store in Great Valley Mart in North Versailles. In 1963, he moved to Eastland Mall, which closed in Feb. of 2005. Tony returned to Great Valley Mart and retired after 64 years of service to his beloved community on August 31, 2022. Tony was a devout Byzantine Catholic and attended St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church in Latrobe, PA. He prayed daily for friends, family members, and acquaintances. He prayed for all who suffered because Tony felt faith was everything in love and life. Tony will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, friend, and craftsman. He loved his trips to Bellosguardo with his friend Mike Muro, especially the trip with his beloved grandson. Tony was preceded in death (Feb. 21, 2015) by his loving wife of 55 years and his cousins, Matthew and Johnny Macchiaroli. He is survived by two sons, Dr. Joseph Anthony (Lisa Joy) Macchiaroli and Peter Billey (electrical engineer) Macchiaroli; two grandchildren, Maria (Dr. Ben) Hodnett and Anthony Joseph (Alana) Macchiaroli; and two great-grandchildren, Georgia Rose and Parker Nolan Hodnett. Special thanks to my family, the Billeys, neighbors, and countless friends who made my life complete. Special thanks to Jane Brosnick, who gave care as needed. Tony will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. As Tony said, 'I never thought I could have found so much love in the United States.'. All are welcome on Friday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at PATRICK T. LANIGAN FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, INC., 700 Linden Ave., at Cable Ave., East Pittsburgh (412-824-8800), where a Parastas will be prayed on Friday at 3:00 p.m. Divine Liturgy will be in St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church in Trauger, on Saturday at 10 a.m. Tony will be laid to rest in the St. Mary Byzantine Church Cemetery.