Obituary: Anthony (Tony) Paul Diacri Sr., 63, of East Haven

Obituary courtesy of Porto Funeral Home:

Anthony (Tony) Paul Diacri Sr., age 63 of East Haven entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022 surrounded by his loving family. Born in Stamford on July 9th, 1958, he was the son of the late Joseph and Rose (Greco; Conte) Diacri. Tony is survived by his beloved wife, Dena (Mansfield) Diacri of East Haven, father of his cherished children Melissa (Mark) Guner of Wilton, and Anthony Diacri Jr. of Groton; Stepfather of Brittany (Mike) Onofrio of Wallingford; Grandfather of Juliana and Alexander Guner; Brother of Mario (Donna) Diacri of Bonita Springs, FL, June (Daniel) Bianco of Darien, Frank (Michele) Diacri of Clinton, and Linda (Larry) Gaito of Middletown, NY, in addition to having many nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends. Tony will be missed by his beloved boxer Blitz, who laid by his side until his very last day.

Tony attended Brien McMahon High School in Norwalk. He later attained his welding certification while working as a welder at Stamford Iron and Steel Works Inc. where he spent over 30 years and retired as a foreman with the company. Tony loved to tell the story of how he wrote his son Anthony Jr’s name inside of the steel flagpole on top of the iconic WWE headquarters building in Stamford that is seen by millions off I-95 daily. He would also make “gifts of steel” for those he loved. He loved playing darts and poker at The Pastime Athletic Club with friends and enjoyed fishing in the bluefish tournaments in Norwalk. He would find the most joy from karaoke, riding his motorcycle, and long rides in his bright red Mustang with Dena and Anthony by the beach. Tony enjoyed cooking specialty dinner entrées, as seen in his Facebook posts, and was known for his “World Famous” Cheesecake. He loved to laugh and share jokes, his smile was contagious. Lastly, Tony was most proud of his family.

A welder, he wrote his son Anthony Jr’s name inside the steel flagpole on top of the WWE headquarters in Stamford, seen by millions off I-95 daily.

His funeral procession will leave the PORTO FUNERAL HOME, 234 Foxon Rd. (Rte 80) East Haven Wednesday morning at 10:30. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Our Lady of Pompeii Church at 11:00. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery. Friends may call WEDNESDAY MORNING from 8:30-10:30. Memorial contributions may be made to Help Our Military Heroes.