Obituary: Anthony James Renna, Jr., 81, of Danbury

DANBURY, CT -- Anthony James Renna, Jr., 81, of The Villages in Lady Lake, FL, formerly of New Fairfield best known to his family and friends as "Jimmy" passed away peacefully on June 25, 2018, surrounded by his loving immediate family.He was the husband of the late Nancy (Balaz) Renna.

Jimmy was born in Danbury on March 22, 1937, a son of Anthony and Kay Renna, Jimmy attended Danbury schools and graduated Danbury High School with the Class of 1956. After graduation, Jimmy joined the U.S. Marine Corps. Upon his honorable discharge to civilian life, Jimmy and Nancy were united in marriage on October 18, 1958.

Working with Danbury Block and Supply, growing up around power equipment, Jim was very proficient in power equipment sales and repairs, and knew he could establish his own career in that industry. With a positive outlook for a great future, he opened Nutmeg Power Equipment with his brother Tommy, in 1966, on Mill Plain Road in Danbury. Nutmeg Power Equipment quickly became the "go to shop" for repairs, while also featuring trendy "what's new" power equipment in their showroom. Nutmeg Power Equipment continued to grow, and consistently met their sales goals, receiving outstanding recognition and awards of achievement. People from Danbury and surrounding towns, all came to Nutmeg Power Equipment for servicing, or even just to have a cup of coffee, and chat about what was happening in town.

Jimmy grew up racing soap box derby cars, loved the stock-car and midget races at the Danbury Race Arena. He was an avid NY Yankee fan, member of the New Fairfield sportsman club, loved boating, fishing, snowmobiling and enjoyed riding his motorcycle to visit local friends, or taking long trips into the country or other states, always with a stop for an ice cream with his wife Nancy.

Together "Nancy & Jim" raised their two children in New Fairfield. Their children were their primary focus, Jimmy always working hard every day, providing whatever the family needed. Family and friends were invited for picnics, parties, holidays and all special occasions. They opened up their home to all those whom they loved.

Upon retirement, Nancy and Jim moved to The Villages in Lady Lake Florida, where they started the next chapter of life. No sooner did they, they added a new puppy named "Leroy." Developing new friendships, later calling them family, this move also created a new destination for family to visit, and they entertained their three grandchildren as often as possible. The grandchildren will forever hold their Pop-Pop in their hearts. He was their teddy bear and grounding force… and always kept them laughing. Even during his past 16 years of health issues, Jimmy kept a positive attitude, sense of humor, and an iron will to live the best he could. He faced all of his medical challenges with optimism and a "can-do" attitude. His perseverance and tenacity to fight his aliments should be an inspiration to all.

A husband, father, brother, brother-in-law, grandfather, uncle and friend, Jimmy was loved and admired by all. Jimmy will be missed very much, and is survived by his two children, David Renna and Cindy (Renna) Define, brother Tom Renna and sister-in-law Dayle Renna, and sister-in-law's Gloria Balaz and Beverly Balaz, plus 3 grandchildren: Michael Define, Amelia Define and Nicolas Define … including several cousins, nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, July 7, 2018, at 10 a.m. in St. Joseph R.C. Church, Danbury. Interment will follow in St. Peter Cemetery, Danbury. Reception details will be announced. There will be no calling hours.