Anthony J “Tony” Montemarano – 95 – of 41 ½ Oak St., Hornell, died early Wednesday morning (May 3, 2017) at Elderwood at Hornell, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Naples, Italy on August 1, 1921, he was the son of Francis & Carmella (Petito) Montemarano.

Tony’s family moved to the United States in 1927 when he was six years. He grew up in Lyons, NY and was a graduate of Lyons High School (class of 1939). While in high school, Tony was a member of the football, basketball & baseball teams. He later graduated from Alfred State College with an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration.

While in college, Tony would often go with friends to the local “Five & Dime” store after school. Here, he met his future wife, Domenica “Maggie” Colomaio. Their relationship began when Tony asked if he could walk her home. After continuing to see each other at the store, he built up enough courage to ask her mother if they could see a movie. Her mother agreed, but only if Tony had her daughter home by 9:00 PM. Both mom & dad waited for them to get home that night. Domenica’s father loved Tony and always told her to make sure to save some food for him! They were married on in St. Ann’s Church on January 9, 1943.

In his younger years, Tony was employed as a salesman at the former Murray Stevens Clothing Store in Hornell. For nearly 40 years, he was employed at the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), first as a mechanic and heavy equipment worker, and working his way up to the position of Supervisor of the Parts Department. He also taught “55 Alive”, a driver’s education course for the state. He served as President of CSEA Union and later served as president of CSEA Retirees. He retired in 1986.

Tony was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church where he served as an usher and was a member of the St. Ann’s Parish Council for many years. He also served on the St. Ann’s School Board. He was a 4th Degree member of the Hornell Knights of Columbus where he served as Grand Knight and Faithful Navigator and was the recipient of the “Man of the Year” award. He was a former member of the G. Carducci Lodge (Sons of Italy). Tony had also been a member of the Maple City Sound Board which helps organize musical entertainment in town.

He had a lifelong association with the Boy Scouts of America and Cub Scouts of America. He first served as a Scout Master and later as Commissioner of the Hornell Chapter of Boy Scouts of America and Cub Scouts of America. He was honored by receiving the Silver Beaver Award and the Saint George Medal.

Tony enjoyed the outdoors and was a lifelong hunter, hunting deer, rabbit, turkey & pheasant. He enjoyed working in his vegetable garden and simply taking care of his lawn. He enjoyed watching golf on TV and rooting for the New York Yankees.

He was preceded in death by 2 sisters, Genevieve “Jen” Calabrese and Louise Reed; his in-laws, Peter & Betty Colomaio, Harold Robbins, Mary Colomaio, Joseph Calabrese, Russell Reed and Philip Comella.

Surviving are his wife of 74 years, Domenica “Maggie” Montemarano; 2 sons, Francis (Ellen) Montemarano of Punta Gorda, FL and Joseph Montemarano of Arkport; 1 daughter, Mary Montanarella of Rochester; 1 sister, Philomena Comella of Lyons, NY; his in-laws, Helen Robbins of Hornell, Mary & Ezio Fiacco of Hornell, Rose & Joseph DiCosimo of Hornell and Matt Colomaio of Hornell; 2 granddaughters, Gina (Jason McKinney) Montanarella of Rochester and Kara (Rob) Kuehne of Rochester; 4 great-granddaughters, Cecilia Ebersold. Lila Ebersold, Harper Kuehne and Quinn Kuehne; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great nieces & great-great nephews.

The family of Anthony “Tony” Montemarano will receive friends on Saturday from 11:00 AM until 1:30 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 2:00 PM at St. Ann’s Church. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Tony’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to: St. Ann’s Academy, PO Box 446, Hornell, NY 14843 or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 435 East Henrietta Rd., Rochester, NY 14620. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home or click here to print a memorial form.