Anthony James Tabacco Sr passed away peacefully in his home on Thursday, March 7, 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 brothers-in-law Anna and Ralph Ianniello, Tina and Gene Justino, and 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, N.Y., 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, N.Y., 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, and whether they won or lost he was their #1 fan. He loved his Ruffles and Pepsi and adored his 3 granddogs. Christmas was his favorite holiday, and he loved how we carried on all of our 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.

There is a void in our lives that will never be filled, but the memories he and Palma created will keep us going.

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