Obituary: Anthony James Tabacco Sr., 80, Of Sandy Hook

Information and Photo Courtesy Honan Funeral Home

NEWTOWN, CT — Anthony James Tabacco Sr. passed away peacefully in his home on Thursday, March 7, 2024, in Sandy Hook. He was predeceased by his beautiful and loving wife, Palma Jean Tabacco (nee Sylvestri), his parents Vito and Vincenza (nee Lauria) Tabacco, and his sisters and brother-in-law’s Anna and Ralph Ianniello, Tina and Gene Justino, Nina and Mandy DiMarino.

Anthony is survived by two sons; Anthony J. Tabacco Jr. (Claudine) and Todd J. Tabacco (Meredith); and a daughter Taryn Jean Branca (Frank); his pride and joy grandchildren - Luke Anthony Tabacco (19), Cole James Tabacco (16), Frank Anthony Branca (15), Zack Julian Tabacco (15), Charlize Addison Tabacco (15), Talia Joy Tabacco (15), Matthew Jack Branca (13), Tatum Grace Tabacco (12), Anthony James Tabacco (9) and Amalia Mae Branca (8). He is remembered fondly by his many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Anthony was born in Bronx, New York on April 22, 1943. He graduated from Edison Technical High School in Mount Vernon, NY in 1961 and served his country honorably in the United States Army. He was a successful operating engineer, always taking on the most challenging projects. After marrying Palma, they raised their three children in North Salem, NY for 47 years before retiring to their wonderful community in Sandy Hook, where they quickly built a beautiful circle of friends who became family.

Anthony was known by family and friends as TT or Tony, but his most cherished was Papa. He loved the Yankees and the Jets, whether they won or lost he was their No. 1 fan. He loved his Ruffles and Pepsi and adored his three granddogs. Christmas was his favorite holiday, and loved how his family carried on all their family traditions and fully embraced the new ones. Tony had a love of cars and spent many years rebuilding a 1971 Duster with his son Todd. He gave his love of music to his son Anthony who still performs today and was his daughter Taryn’s biggest fan, never missing a game. His smile would light up a room when he saw his grandkids, the light of his life, always making sure to get a picture of all 10 every time we were all together.

Calling hours for Anthony will be held Thursday, March 14 from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Honan Funeral Home located at 58 Main Street, Newtown. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Friday morning, March 15 at St. Rose of Lima Church, 46 Church Hill Road Newtown. Interment will follow at St. Rose Cemetery, 20 Cherry Street, Sandy Hook.

In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate donations in Anthony’s name to St. Jude’s Children's Research Hospital or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation