Antonio Tommasone

Surrounded by his loving family and friends, Antonio passed away after a long brave and courageous battle with cancer on Wednesday October 16, 2013.He was born in Alvignano, province of Caserta, Italy on January 27, 1934 to Antonio and Maria Friello Tommasone and he immigrated to this country in 1950.He went back to Italy in 1955 to marry Giovina Corradi and returned to this country with his beautiful young bride.From modest beginnings, they started a lifelong practice of purchasing land for future investment purposes.The foundation of their professional success lied in their personal sacrifices and perseverance.He established his own business in 1971.His companies included Rotterdam General Contracting Co. (RGC) and Tom-Cor Development Inc.Antonio's talent and skills are evident in churches, schools, shopping centers and homes throughout the Capital District. As part of his mentoring as a skilled mason, he trained many successors with eagerness, compassion and firmness. Antonio's kindness and generosity knew no limits.He and his wife opened their hearts and home to their growing extended families and friends.Many memories were made and shared around the dinner table with nurturing food and spirit.He achieved his lifelong dream of being a good provider for his family.He always reminisced of the difficult times growing up in Italy during World War II and the economic struggles that ensued thereafter.He wanted to provide a better life for himself and more importantly his family. He is survived by his dedicated and loving wife of nearly 60 years, Giovina Corradi; his devoted children, Gerald Tommasone, Anthony Tommasone (Patty), John Tommasone (Kris), Mary Ann (Tony) Savona and Mary Gina Igoe , as well as 11 grandchildren, Ashley, Danielle,Nicholas, Nicole,Alexander "AJ", Victoria, Dominic, Jonathan, Isabella, Antonio and Massimo. He is the brother of late Ruggerio Tommasone, Marianinna Friello, Maria Vaverchek, Rosa DeCredico and Angelina Petrozzi. He is survived by his treasured siblings: Jerry Tommasone (Antioniette) and JoAnn (James) Vendetti, as well as many nieces and nephews including his dearest nephew, Jerome Vaverchek. Antonio loved being surrounded by his family, especially gathering for Sunday meals. He enjoyed socializing with his friends at the Sons of Italy. He loved playing the harmonica, playing cards, making wine and tending to his plentiful vegetable garden and fruit trees. He enjoyed traveling to Italy to visit family and Melbourne, Florida where he resided during the winter months. He has left behind a wonderful legacy and he will be tremendously missed. Calling hours, to which relatives and friends are invited, will be held Sunday from 3-6 p.m. at DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home 1605 Helderberg Ave., Rotterdam. Funeral services will begin 8:30 a.m. Monday at the funeral home followed by a 9:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church 210 Princetwon Rd., Rotterdam. Entombment will follow at St. Cyril's Cemetery. Thank you to his trusted doctors Dr. John Nolan, Dr. Richard Toll, Dr. Howard Schlossberg, and Dr. Eric Engelmyer.Our family appreciates the care and comfort provided by the Schenectady Visiting Nurses Association, Community Hospice of Schenectady, and Ellis Hospital. Also, a special thank you to the Sons of Italy Lodge #321. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to any of the following organizations in memory of Antonio Tommasone. American Diabetes Association PO Box 11454 Alexandria, VA 22312 National Foundation for Cancer Research 4600 East West Highway Suite 525 Bethesda, MD 20814 The Community Hospice The Community Hospice Foundation 295 Valley View Blvd Rensselaer, NY 12144