Longtime Enfield Businessman, Civic Leader Anthony DiPace Dies

ENFIELD, CT — Anthony "Tony" DiPace, a longtime small business owner who spent four decades in public service in Enfield, died Saturday at his home after a valiant battle with cancer. He was 62.

DiPace, a 1978 graduate of Enrico Fermi High School, owned and operated Hazardville Motors (originally Tony's Service Center) since 1987, and had a substantial track record of generous community involvement. He was past chairman of the Enfield Democratic Town Committee, and served a lengthy stint as chairman of the Enfield Planning & Zoning Commission.

He had been slated to challenge Joe Bosco for the District 1 town council seat last fall, but withdrew his candidacy due to health issues. However, his condition improved enough that he was appointed by the town council to return to the PZC last month.

"I am deeply saddened by the loss of Tony," Mayor Bob Cressotti told Patch. "At the time of his reappointment, his health was improving and he was looking forward to it. He did a lot for the town; it is a big loss."

DiPace's brother Pat Crowley, a former town councilor, said, "His greatest and most prized accomplishment was his son, Anthony. He is so proud of him, and the man he has become. Anthony is and was his life’s greatest passion. Everything else he accomplished was what he enjoyed and set his mind to do. He was a business owner for over 34 years and loved being a mechanic, fixing people's cars. He truly enjoyed politics and had a tremendous knowledge of his position on the planning and zoning commission, spending countless hours studying to acquire that knowledge. As a business owner, I can’t tell you the amount of times he helped people out at his shop; people who couldn’t afford to have the work done, but he took care of them anyway."

Liz Davis, a former town council member and past Democratic Town Committee chair, said, "Tony was a cherished friend who had a heart of gold. His passion, first and foremost, was his son, Anthony. There was never a conversation we had where Tony didn’t mention how well his son was doing and how proud he was of his son. Tony and I also enjoyed talking about town politics and his strong passion for serving the town of Enfield. Tony would always say what he was thinking, and he never sugarcoated anything. I admired him for always speaking the truth. I will miss my many talks with Tony. Our community lost a great man; he will be missed."

Former state representative David Kiner said, "Tony DiPace was one of a kind. He was so passionate about the town of Enfield and also his son, Anthony, who he was always so proud of. Tony’s service to giving back to our community, his friendship to those who knew him and loved him, and his larger-than-life spirit will be sorely missed."

For many years, DiPace was a member of the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Society, and played a significant role in the preparation for the annual Italian Festival. He helped assemble booths and staging, directed security and coordinated the iconic greased pole climb.

"When we were setting up for the feast, there wasn't anything Tony wouldn't do," Mt. Carmel president Carl Sferrazza said. "He was a very strong man, and could lift things that would normally take two guys. He loved cooking and Italian food. He was just a wonderful individual."

Crowley added, "Tony was deeply involved in the Enfield community - volunteering for many local youth sports teams, sponsoring local sports teams and helping fundraising efforts for many organizations. He loved and was proud of his Italian heritage. If Tony was your friend, you always had someone in your corner - you always knew where he stood."

A funeral procession will gather at Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels Thursday at 9 a.m., and a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Patrick's Church at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Patrick’s King Street Cemetery. Calling hours are slated for Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home.

DiPace's complete obituary may be read here.