Former Resident Al Antonino Dies at 79

Former Southampton resident Albert C. Antonino Sr. died peacefully at his home in Delray Beach, Fla., on Nov. 19, according to his family. Born Nov. 2, 1932, he was 79.

Born in Brooklyn, he was one of three children raised by parents Carlo and Carmen Antonino, his survivors wrote in an obituary.

Antonino enlisted in the U.S. Air Force soon after finishing high school and made his way through the ranks to staff sergeant. He served in the Korean War while stationed in Japan and afterward was stationed in Montauk.

Upon his discharge from the Air Force, Antonino managed Strong Oil in Water Mill for a short period of time and then worked as a salesman for the Dunlop Tire Company. Years later, Antonino partnered in a business called Tire Care located in Patchogue, and from there he partnered in International Tire and Wheel Corp, which he is best known for.

He had a passion for writing songs and poetry as well as painting his favorite landscapes from his many travels around the world. Antonino loved to race homing pigeons earlier in his life and will be remembered most for his humorous lengthy stories, which everyone adored.

He is predeceased by his daughter Lori Moritz and wife of 15 years, Anna Wojcik. He will forever be remembered by his devoted brother Ronald Antonino, beloved children Albert Jr., Suzanne and Maryann as well as his treasured grandchildren Destiny, Lily, Emily Benjamin and Dylan along with countless other family and friends who were blessed to know him.

Antonino touched the lives of many people with his smile and generosity, and maintained his trademark sense of humor all the way to the end.

A memorial service was held Friday at . A funeral was held Saturday morning at , followed by a reception at 's 230down.

Information provided by O'Connell Funeral Home.