Anthony N. Armata

Anthony N. Armata, Nov. 7, 1926 to Jan. 2, 2011, born of Italian descent from Vite, Italy, son of Erazamo and Patrina - who had five sons and one daughter (Florence, the only remaining sibling).

Erazmo started the fruit and vegetable business still in existence in the Bronx, N.Y. The brothers, Pete, Frank, Joe, and Nick, established a career in the family business, while Tony chose another path in life.

A graduate of LaSalle Academy in NYC and a varsity letterman on the basketball team, he began to shape his future. Tony attended St. John's University and then was drafted into the army during World War II, in which he was the captain of the G.I. Basketball Team and was also infamous for being a cook (family joke).

The war ended and Tony was accepted into Bowling Green, earned a degree in P.E. and was on the roster of the basketball team, which at the time won a bid into the NIT basketball tournament. At the time, this was the equivalent of being selected for a bid into the current, very prestigious NCAA tourney! Patrina, Tony's mom, became ill and so he returned home to help care for his mom and was accepted to Adelphi University, in which he was the captain of the basketball team. He went on to NYU, earned his master's degree and dabbled in chiropractic work. His passion, however, clearly was in the field of P.E. and athletics and was soon hired at Bishop Laughlin as a teacher and coach. Basketball continued to be a driving force in his life, and he still holds the Press League record for scoring 71 points in a single game!

Tony later accepted the position at Central Islip H.S. in Suffolk County, Long Island, where he became a legend in the basketball world, pioneering the "full court press," winning two county championships, numerous coaches of the year honors, and most importantly shaping the lives of so many children he coached and loved! Tony also took great pride as basketball camp director, pool coordinator and was awarded many citations for a career that spanned 38 years! Tony retired in 1989 from teaching, dabbled in the real estate market and eventually relocated to St. Augustine, Fla., with his adoring wife of 55 blessed years! Isabella Driscoll of Irish and English decent, nurse and mother of six children, was and will always be his eternal soul mate, filled with love, joy, compassion, dignity and respect. She cared for Tony and afforded him the opportunity to proudly pass in the peace of Christ our Lord! Tony is now with God in heaven, reunited with his son Michael, who died in a tragic car accident at an early, tender age of 23.

Tony is survived by his wife, Isabella; sons, John, Tony (and Lynn), Jimmy (and Karen); daughters, Susie and Terry; and grandchildren, Michael and Anthony, Casey and Amy.

Dad and mom were most proud of being the original charter members for Catholics United for the Faith, responsible for the evaluation of Catechism, which was the guiding force for all religious education. Dad was then invited by the bishop to represent the Laity in the meeting to discuss catechesis.

In St. Augustine, he was a Carmelite and was also an Extraordinary Eucharistic Minister. His dedication to religious observations and commitments throughout his life was unyielding. He would arise extra early each morning to attend church and receive the sacrament of communion. Although it was very early, his children regard this time in our lives as special and ultimately important in shaping our moral characters, not to mention getting in good with the nuns at St. Patrick's, which is where we attended school. When we informed him last year that he was nominated to get into the Suffolk Hall of Fame for his achievements his only response was, "Will it get me into the gates of heaven?" and then proudly smiled.

In our last visit with dad, we knew his time on this earth was limited and gently held his hand as we sat beside him on the bed. Dad turned, looked at me and then to mom saying, "Isabel, why is Jimmy holding my hand?" The room exploded into thunderous laughter as dad's sense of humor prevailed on a day that was otherwise clouded by a sad set of good-byes! We held his hand gently that day as he had done so many times before for so many of his children and wished him a good night. Peace, love, joy and happiness dad, we look forward to seeing you again in heaven!

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday (today) at Craig Funeral Home, with a funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Cathedral-Basilica of St. Augustine.

Craig Funeral Home Crematory Memorial Park in charge of arrangements.