Obituary: Anthony J. DeBaise Jr., 82, Of Cheshire

CHESHIRE, CT — (From Wallingford Funeral Home): Anthony J. DeBaise Jr., 82, of Cheshire, passed away on Sunday, January 8, 2023. He was born in Meriden on January 23, 1940, a son of the late Anthony J. and Emma (Sorell) DeBaise Sr.

Alongside his brother, Robert, Tony owned and operated Roberts Chrysler for over 52 years. Tony was affectionately known as the "Mayor of Route 5.” He had a passion for cars and the car business and arrived every morning to Roberts bright and early to get the dealership ready for customers.

Tony loved all of his automobiles, especially his Dodge Power Wagons and enjoyed sharing his knowledge with friends, family and customers.

In addition to automobiles, Tony was an avid gardener and landscaper; he and his companion of 34 years, Virginia, enjoyed working together on their home gardens and landscaping. Friends and neighbors admired his meticulous landscaping skills.

Over the years, Tony and Virginia also loved to travel together to such destinations as Las Vegas and the islands of the Caribbean where they loved to see the sights, dine on local cuisine and enjoy the beautiful weather.

Tony shared an exceptionally close bond with his brother, Robert and they ran a successful business together for many years. Bob will miss morning breakfasts with Tony and their daily conversations about the world and life.

Tony is survived by his brother and best friend, Robert A. DeBaise of Meriden; his companion of 34 years, Virginia Remington; his extended family, Olivia Remington and her fiancé, Franco Rotino, William Remington, Rachael Remington, Robert Remington and Michael Zaccarino; and his cousins, Marcus DeBaise, Stephen DeBaise, David DeBaise, June DeBaise, Judy Inguaggiato, Joan Shea and Everett Maynard.

The family would like to thank all of the doctors, nurses and staff members of the Critical Care Unit of Midstate Medical Center for the compassionate care they provided throughout this difficult time.

Tony’s family will receive relatives and friends in The Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 N. Main St. Ext., on Wednesday, January 11 from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, January 12 at 10 a.m. directly at Most Holy Trinity Church, 84 N. Colony St., Wallingford. Interment will follow in Saint John Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Tony’s memory may be made to Most Holy Trinity Church.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit Wallingford Funeral Home here.