Antoinette Florentine

Antoinette "Toni" Florentine, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully on Friday morning, January 24, 2025, at the age of 98 in her home in Branford, Connecticut. Born on September 23, 1926, Toni was the daughter of Schley and Anna (Marino) Vece of New Haven, Connecticut.
Toni's family story is one of American history and legacy. Her father, Schley Vece, was part of the first set of all-male triplets born in the United States, and was named by First Lady Ida McKinley to honor three Admirals of the United States Navy who bravely defended the United States in the Spanish-American War of 1898.
Toni was predeceased by her brother, Dan Vece of Clinton, Connecticut, and her sister, Florence Vece of Hamden, Connecticut. She always held their memories close to her heart and loved her siblings' and her cousins' children with the same warmth and devotion that she showed her immediate family. To Toni, family was not defined by blood; but by love. If you were welcomed into Toni's home, you were always embraced forever as family.
For 72 years, Toni was proudly married, and faithfully devoted to her husband, the late Dr. George Anthony Florentine. Alongside her deep love for her husband, they also shared in sporting passions, including a lifelong loyalty to the Yale Football Bulldogs and the Boston Red Sox. Toni was an avid and accomplished golfer, and enjoyed, and was equally adept at bridge, mahjong, and rummikub. Toni was also creative in arts and crafts and taught classes in needlepoint and embroidery, sewing and smocking. As the proud wife of a United States Marine, Toni embodied the Marine Corps motto, Semper Fi-"Always Faithful"-and she raised her family with the same unwavering spirit.
Toni's greatest joy in life was her family. She was blessed with five children: Barbara Florentine of Branford, Connecticut; George (Margaret) Florentine of Braintree, Massachusetts; Wendy (Oscar) Parente of Orange, Connecticut; Richard (Janice) Florentine of Madison, Connecticut; and James (Helen) Florentine of Woodinville, Washington. Her love of life continues through her thirteen grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren, all of whom were the pride and spirit of her life.
Toni was a faithful parishioner of St. Therese Church/ St. John Bosco Parish. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated to honor Toni's life and celebrate the love she gave so freely, on March 28, 2025 at 10:00 at St. Therese Church/ St. John Bosco Parish located at 105 Leetes Island Rd, in Branford, Connecticut. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks for donations to be made in her memory to a charity of choice.
Antoinette "Toni" Florentine will be remembered for her love, faith, and dedication to her family. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her. The family is thankful and grateful for all of the friends and neighbors and aides who compassionately assisted her and lovingly took care of her in her life.