Costanzo “Chris” Antonellis, of Medford, passed away on Thursday, March 12th. He was 77. Born and raised in San Donato, Italy, he was the cherished son of the late Giuseppe and Anna (Cugini) Antonellis.
Chris was a true gentleman; he was thoughtful, kind, considerate and a simple man. Chris’s family was his pride and joy. He enjoyed spending time with his children, especially his grandchildren Giulia, Derek and Dante, they were his whole world.
When Chris was not spending time with his family he was at one of the local Italian café’s enjoying a cup of coffee with his friends or planting in his garden and sharing his abundance of fresh tomatoes, figs, and vegetables with neighbors and friends. Chris always looked forward to planning his next trip to Italy to visit with extended family and friends. He was an avid soccer player and coached in the City of Medford for many years.
Costanzo was the beloved husband of 54 years to the late Anna (DiCenso) Antonellis. He was the beloved father of Rick Antonellis and his companion Lauryn of Boston, and Jessica Paparo and her husband Derek of Medford. He was the loving Nonno of Giulia Fabrizio, Derek Paparo and Dante Paparo all of Medford. He was the dear brother of Larry Antonellis and his wife Judy, and the late Cesidia Bennington and her surviving husband Mike. He was the caring brother in-law of the late Jimmy DiCenso. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, on Tuesday, March 17th, from 4 PM to 8PM and again on Wednesday, March 18th at 9 AM followed by a funeral Mass celebrated in Immaculate Conception Church, 600 Pleasant St., Malden at 10 AM. Services will conclude with burial at Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Costanzo’s name to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, PO Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741.