Anthony A. Macioce

Anthony Arthur Macioce, age 89, of Farmington, passed away Saturday, January 10, 2026. Anthony is the beloved husband of 57 years to Jackie; loving father of Alex (Ildiko) Macioce and Tania (Michael Cahill) Macioce; dear grandfather of Noah and William; fond brother of the late Pierina Macioce (d. 2024).

Anthony was born November 14, 1936, in the beautiful hillside town of Alvito, Italy, the son of Vittorio and Carolina (Gentile) Macioce. He was fond of sharing stories from his beloved childhood home, such as playing soccer with friends, joining his neighbors in their procession through the streets to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary, and even tossing stones at the jeeps of passing Nazi soldiers during the occupation. Those formative years instilled in him a lifelong pride in his Italian heritage. His memory will live on in the traditions passed to his children and grandchildren. The next Seven Fish Dinner on Christmas Eve will not be the same without him, but we will save him a piece of baccala just the same.

With his father still serving in the allied army, at the age of fourteen Tony immigrated to the United States with his mother and sister and settled on Detroit's East Side. He began school speaking barely a word of English, but quickly adapted and thrived as a student. He graduated from De La Salle Collegiate High School in 1955 and was subsequently blessed to realize his dream of attending the University of Notre Dame. His academic path took a turn more than midway through, however, when he changed his course of study from Chemical Engineering to Art, and thank goodness that he did.

Tony's legacy as an artist will endure long after his passing. He was a remarkably talented abstract impressionist painter, and his work graces the walls of dozens of buyers, as well as the homes of his son and daughter. Art was a true passion, and he was still painting even up to his final days. His children and their families were always grateful for their "artist in residence" and his memory will endure on their walls for generations.

Tony had a celebrated career in advertising as a creative director for over 30 years, earning both Caddy and Emmy awards for his creative direction and design. His most cherished prize from his time in advertising, however, was meeting and marrying Jackie and building the family he loved so dearly. Shortly after the birth of their son, Alex, Tony decided to move the family back to his native Italy. There he continued his advertising career and welcomed the birth of his daughter, Tania. During this nearly three year stint overseas, he was able to visit his beloved Alvito regularly on weekends and holidays. He left a legacy in the business as a cherished workplace mentor and friend, and he maintained relationships well into retirement with former coworkers whose careers and lives he touched in a heartfelt and meaningful way.

Tony's passion for art was only matched by his love of sports, particularly soccer. After immigrating to America, he never lost his devotion to the Italian National Team or his favorite club Juventus. Some of his fondest memories of the game, however, were when he was coaching his son growing up, and then being his children's biggest fan as they continued their playing careers into college and, in the case of his son, even a brief time as a lower division professional player back in Italy.

The only team that could compare with his love for the Azzurri was his love for the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. A proud graduate and 40+ year Sorin Club contributor to his alma mater, he remained close friends with his roommates until his passing. He could not have been happier when his daughter decided to attend Our Lady's University, that is until his two grandsons also became students there, as well. We know he will be joining them all in a resounding "Go Irish!" on fall football Saturdays from his seat in Heaven.

It is with sorrow in our hearts we say goodbye, but gratitude for our time together and joy in the knowledge that his was a life well lived. He will be missed, but his memory will endure in our hearts forever. Sempre nei nostri cuori. Che riposi in pace.

A funeral Mass celebrating Tony's life will be Saturday, January 17, 11 am, (in state beginning at 10 am) at St. Fabian Catholic Church, 32200 W. 12 Mile Rd, Farmington Hills.

Immediately following the Mass, a funeral procession will take Tony to his place of rest, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Southfield.

Memorial tributes are suggested to the Capuchin Soup Kitchen.