Antonio Bernardo, known to many as “Tony the Tailor” died Friday morning at his Medford home surrounded by his loving family. He was 86.
Mr. Bernardo was born in and raised in Canicattini Bagni, Sicily, the son of the late Santo and the late Santa (Amenta) Bernardo. Tony learned the art of tailoring as a young boy and made his first suit before he was eight years old. At that time he met a young girl who lived down the street from him, who would eventually become his wife. Tony was a talented athlete and was part of the Italian Olympic team which participated in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. He served in the Italian military during World War II. In 1949 he came to the United States and settled in the North End and then in Medford in 1956. He worked as a tailor in several Boston Shops including Castignetti Bros. and Martini Carl. He developed a strong and loyal following which included many of Boston’s leading sports figures, Gov. Francis Sargent and Richard Cardinal Cushing. Tony was a proud American who also had the strongest affection for his homeland. He was President of Figli di Canicattini Bagni, a charitable organization of people who came from that Sicilian town. Tony enlisted the help of many of Boston’s leaders, including then Senator John F. Kennedy, to help in the organizations endeavors. Above all else Tony was a dedicated family man who loved the company of family and friends.
He was the beloved husband of Josephine (Zocco) with whom he shared 64 years of marriage. He was a devoted father to Santina Bernardo of Medford, Paul Bernardo and his wife Mary of Revere, Nancy Brown and her husband Tony of Wilmington. He was a loving grandfather to Deanna, Anthony, Joseph, Jenna, Christina and Anthony. He was the dear brother of Salvatore Bernardo of Arlington.
His funeral will be from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, Wednesday at 10 AM followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Clement Church, 71 Warner Street, Medford, at 11 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend and may visit with the family Tuesday
4 - 8. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be sent in Antonio’s name to the research of Dr. James Januzzi, MGH Heart Center, MGH Development Office, 165 Cambridge St., suite 600, Boston, MA 02114.