Anthony J. Cannavo Sr.

March 20, 1928 - Dec. 2, 2011

WINSTED - Anthony J. Cannavo, Sr. 83, of Winsted passed away Friday, Dec. 2, 2011 at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital. He was the loving husband of Evelyn (Cruden) Cannavo. "Tony" was born in Winsted on March 20, 1928, the youngest child of the late Antonio and Maria (Coco) Cannavo.
Tony graduated from St. Anthony School and The Gilbert School class of 1945 and was a graduate of UCONN School of Agriculture. He served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1946-1948.
Along with his brother Joseph and sister Sarah he operated Cannavo Gardens for many years. Later he established Cannavo Construction Inc. Which he ran along with his three children Robert, Mark and Donna. He also owned and operated AJ Cannavo and Associates, a Real Estate Brokerage. Both entities are still in operation and Tony, ever eager and enthusiastic, went to the office daily.
Tony served as Winsted's mayor from 1963-1965 and was an active volunteer in the community for over 50 years. He served on the Planning and Zoning Commission, Economic Development Commission, Bank Incorporator, NCCC Regional Advisory Board, and was a Trustee of the Gilbert School. The list of Tony's accomplishments are enormous and too numerous to list.
He was recognized for his dedication and commitment at a gala dinner in his honor at Crystal Peak, which was attended by then Gov. Jodi Rell who presented Tony with a proclamation declaring August 16, 2006 "Anthony J. Cannavo Day." In addition he was also recognized by the town of Winchester for his life long community service.
Tony was a true leader; able to listen, advise, and bring disparate parties together for the betterment of the community. He was always there to assist anyone who needed his help or counsel, that's just who Tony was. Although he could have easily retired in his later years, he remained vital, forging ahead with his vision, creative ideas, and indomitable spirit.
Even with all of these achievements and awards, Tony was most proud of his family. He and his siblings were taught the value of education, hard work, service to others and love of God by their exceptional parents, Maria and Antonio. The family commemorated this legacy, by erecting the Antonio Cannavo Spring on Hurlbut Street in Winsted. Tony also cherished his children and grandchildren guiding them with his wisdom and abiding love.
Tony was a true raconteur. He loved to tell jokes and stories of Winsted's past. He enjoyed gardening, vintage cars, UCONN basketball, and running heavy equipment. Most recently he enjoyed his "ROMEO" outings at the Knights of Columbus with his friend John Fratini and brother Joe. He also enjoyed attending the Gilbert Alumni Homecoming with his dear friends Roger Jones and George DeMars.
Tony was adored and loved by all who knew him. He will be greatly missed. He is survived by his children, Robert Cannavo and his wife Nancy, Mark Cannavo and his partner Myrna Attella, Donna Bourgoin and her husband Louis and Anthony Cannavo, Jr., all of Winsted; a brother, Joseph Cannavo and his wife Emily of Winsted; a sister, Connie Zaccara of Winsted; step-children, Steve Carpenter and his wife Donna, Brenda Holden, Dawn Hayes and her husband Gary and Gary Carpenter, all of Winsted; grandchildren, Lindsay, Seth, Maria, Justin, Jason, Steve Jr., Michael, Christy, Daniel, Josh, Paul Jr., and Jennifer; and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by three sisters, Josephine Malanca, Sarah English and Catherine Nero and a son-in-law, Paul Holden. He was a communicant of St. Joseph's Church in Winsted. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011 at St. Joseph's Church, Winsted at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Winsted with full Military Honors. Friends may call on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2011 at Montano-Shea Funeral Home, 922 Main Street, Winsted from 4 to 7 p.m. Donations may be made to: St. Anthony's School or St. Joseph Church, Winsted. Visit an online guestbook at www.montano-shea.com.