Benedict F. Tantillo

Benedict F. Tantillo, 94, of Tolland, passed away on January 8, 2026, one month shy of his 95th year, at Johnson Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Ben was born during the Great Depression on February 7, 1931, in The Bronx, NY, the son of Francesco (Frank) and Providenza (nee Bartolotta) Tantillo. The son of Italian Immigrants who emigrated through Ellis Island, he grew up a patriotic American during World War II. He answered when his country called (via a draft notice) and was a veteran of the Korean Conflict serving in the Army. Ben began working as a young man before the war and continued on his return from Korea, with his father and brothers as a plasterer first out of New York, but moving to East Hartford, as there was more work in CT. As Drywall began to replace plaster, he and his brothers leveraged their experience from the trades and started Tantillo Brothers Builders, Inc, building homes in Vernon, Suffield and Tolland. He later built on his own under BFT, Inc. With his wife Terry, they owned the Vanity Fair Beauty Salon and Great Beginnings, both in Vernon, CT, which operated for many years until Terry's own retirement in 2018. His career culminated as a maintenance foreman for the Vernon Housing Authority, where he begrudgingly retired at the age of 72. Ben had a lifelong passion of racing pigeons and was an active officer in the Manchester Nutmeg Racing Pigeon Club, for many years. He raised and trained many champion birds and accumulated many accolades for winning races. He was honored to have received a lifetime achievement award from the organization in 2019. He enjoyed the birds and the competition, but most of all the friends and comradery he had with fellow members in his club and clubs around the region which lasted to this day. At home, Ben loved to grow a large garden with many varieties of vegetables often supplying his family, friends and neighbors with the plentiful harvests. He especially loved family Sunday dinners and holidays when the family would gather. In his later years he embraced the role of "Papa" and became an ardent sports fan watching his grandchildren play Baseball, Softball and Basketball and even figure skating recitals. His favorite teams were from Stafford and Glastonbury and he enjoyed every minute watching them play. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Theresa (nee Dowgiewicz), who doted on him with more love and good food then you can imagine; his two children, Judith Meehan and her husband Tim, of Glastonbury, and Jim and his wife Kristen of Stafford Springs; and five loving grandchildren, who will miss their Papa very much, Michael and Lauren Meehan and Thomas, Stephen, and Robert Tantillo. He was honest, generous and kind, quick to help his friends and family, never wanting anything in return. He set this example for his own family who all feel very fortunate to have had him for so long. He is missed dearly already. He leaves his younger sisters, Kathy and her husband Wayne Gardner, Vernon, and Ann McCauley of Florida, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Rosalie, and brothers Anthony, Thomas, and Richard. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 11:00 AM at St. Matthew Church, 111 Tolland Green, Tolland. Military honors will take place at the conclusion of the Mass. Burial will be private. Memorial donations may be made to Shriners Children's New England, Attn: Development, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104. Introvigne Funeral Home, Inc., Stafford Springs, has care of the arrangements. To leave a condolence online for the family please visit: https://www.introvignefuneralhome.com