Wethersfield Obituary: Alberto D'Antonio, 89

Alberto D'Antonio of Wethersfield passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on August 23, 2016 at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford. He was the devoted husband to his beloved wide of 66 years, Gilda (Santini) D'Antonio.

Alberto was born September 19, 1926 in the province of L'Aquila, Italy in the town of Capestrano. He was the son of the late Domenico and Santa (Liberatore) D'Antonio. As a young man in Italy he served as a Carabinieri (state police) and reminisced often and fondly of his experiences in Rome and Sicily. Alberto also lived several years in Caracas, Venezuela however he lived most of his life in the U.S. in the greater Hartford area, settling in Wethersfield.

Alberto worked very hard and was an excellent provider for his family, making many personal sacrifices along the way. He was employed by James Howard Co. in Bloomfield, retiring after 34 years of outstanding service. Several years ago into his retirement, Alberto followed his passion and love for gardening and landscaping, happily returning to work as a landscaper until the age of 82.

Alberto's focus in life centered around his family, especially his grandchildren and his wife Gilda. Alberto and Gilda were seldom seen apart, working endless hours together in their yard, tending to their bountiful vegetable and flower gardens, fig trees and artistic paintings. They were often seen relaxing in their lawn chairs holding hands at the end of the day.

Alberto leaves two sons, Ed and wife Mirella (Pace) D'Antonio and Angelo Paul D'Antonio, all residing in Wethersfield; a granddaughter, Melissa D'Antonio and boyfriends Mark Salvesen of Southington and a grandson, Michael Albert D'Antonio of Wethersfield. He was predeceased by two infant sons, Angelo and Paul D'Antonio as well as his sister Maria D'Antonio and his brother Antonio D'Antonio. Alberto leaves his sister-in-law Giovanna (Corsi) D'Antonio, his nephew Dominick and wife Rana D'Antonio of Wethersfield and their two sons Dominick Jr. and Michael John D'Antonio and their families. In addition, he leaves his sisters-in-law in Italy: Genina (Santini) Gargano and Ines Santini; he was predeceased by brothers-in law Edno Gargano and Ettero Santini. He also leaves many cousins, nieces and nephews in the U.S. and Italy.

The funeral will be held Thursday, September 1, 2016, 9 a.m. at the Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, 1276 Berlin Turnpike, Wethersfield, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial, 10 a.m., at the Church of the Incarnation, 544 Prospect St., Wethersfield. Entombment will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford. Calling hours will be held at the funeral home, from 5- 8 p.m. on Wednesday, August 31, 2016.

To share a memory with the family please visit www.dillonbaxter.com.