Anthony W. "Tony" Spadafora Sr. passed away on May 22, 2010 at the Melrose-Wakefield Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was 85 years old.
Tony was born on October 20, 1924 to Antonio and Carmella (Tiberio) of Malden. He was educated in the Malden School System and at the tenth grade; he left school to go to work to help support his family. In 1941, at the age of 17, Tony joined the United States Navy. He received an honorable discharge in 1942 and went to work for Spadafora and Sons Florist as a floral designer.
Tony met the love of his life, Alice (Lattanzio) of Everett in 1942, and they later married in 1945. They have lived in Malden their entire lives and raised four sons, Albert N., William J., Neal A., and Anthony W., Jr.
Tony successfully ran for State Representative in 1954. He proudly served the Commonwealth in this capacity for two years. In 1957, he worked for what was then known as the Metropolitan District Commission, Parks and Recreation. Later he once again worked for the Commonwealth in the Massachusetts Department of Public Works, Water Ways Division, and was Deputy Director of the Water Ways. Water Ways was merged into the Natural Resources Department. This agency was then renamed in 1982 as Massachusetts Environmental Police. Tony retired from service to the Commonwealth in 1983.
In October, 1971, Tony opened a lounge/restaurant with Henry Gennetti, Sr. on Canal Street, Malden, named Gennetti’s. In 1972, Tony purchased his partner’s share and the restaurant was renamed as Anthony’s of Malden. It continued as a popular eatery and in 1976 he added a catering service, added on to the building and it is known today as a very popular place for weddings, anniversaries, etc. His oldest son Albert has been the manager, running the business since it opened, William Jr. worked with his brother Albert, Neal worked as a chef, and Anthony, Jr. ran the barbeque pit and lounge.
In 1976, Tony made a run for the State Senate but was unsuccessful.
In 1984, Tony was appointed as Police Commissioner for the Malden Police Department by former Mayor Thomas Fallon. He proudly served for six years. In 1993, Tony was once again gladly called to public service and was reappointed by former Mayor Edwin Lucey as Police Commissioner for the Malden Police Department. This is a position he held until his death.
Tony belonged to the Ancient and Honorables Artillery Company, the Italian American World War Veterans, Past Commander and the Italian American Citizens Club, Past President.
Tony’s favorite charity over the years has been The City of St. Jude, Montgomery, Alabama. For many, many years, he hosted lobster bakes to raise funds for The City of St. Jude. Initially the fundraisers were held at the Lasallette Shrine in Ipswich then moved to the Saugus Elks in Saugus, and are now held at Anthony’s Restaurant. Tony’s Annual Fundraiser will be held at Anthony’s on Sunday, July 18, 2010. Tony had worked feverishly and was able to secure Sean Cardinal O’Malley, Archbishop of Boston for this event.
Tony is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Alice (Lattanzia) Spadafora. He was the beloved father of Albert Spadafora and his wife Francine, William Spadafora and his wife Donna, Neal Spadafora and Anthony Spadafora Jr. and his wife Maryrose all of Malden. Tony was the youngest of eight children and was preceded in death by all his siblings: Joseph, Fred, Guy, Roland, Albert, Gilda Giampietro and Rose Cioffi. He was also the dear brother-in-law of Mary D’Avilla. Tony was the cherished grandfather of Lori, Kristen, Billy Jr., Craig, Alicia, Allison, Albert Jr., Gina, Anthony III, Stefanie and David and was the great-grandfather of Jake, Kasey, Rene, Paige, Mariano, Gino, Carmella and Angelo. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and numerous friends.
The Funeral will be held from the A. J. Spadafora Funeral Home, 865 Main Street, Malden on Wednesday, May 26th at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at the Immaculate Conception Church, 600 Pleasant Street, Malden at 10:30 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours are Tuesday, May 25th from 2-8 p.m. Interment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Tony’s memory may be made to City of St. Jude, 2048 West Fairview Ave., Montgomery, AL 36108-4196.