Anthony Doto

Anthony "Tony" Doto, 78, passed away on January 1, 2016. Tony was born on April 18, 1937 in Cuisano di San Domenico, Italy. He was the fourth of seven siblings - five sisters and a brother. Tony was always motivated to be successful, and at 17 years old, he left his small town for Rome to seek work. At 19, he emigrated to the United States, where he became a proud American citizen, working full time while learning English in evening classes. Tony worked tirelessly to bring his mother and several siblings to the U.S. to a better life. He met the love of his life, Maria, at a church dance in Brooklyn, New York, and they married in 1963. In their 53 years of marriage, Tony and Maria raised four daughters, moved cross-country to Arizona, and enjoyed countless adventures together including world travel to Greece, Italy, Mexico and all around the United States. Tony excelled in careers in the construction industry, landscaping and garden design, in addition to an ice cream business. His work included construction of the iconic Lincoln Center in New York City. Many clients in the valley enjoy the beautiful gardens he created. He was able to grow anything in the desert climate including fruits, vegetables and various plants. Tony touched many lives and will be cherished forever, as will the memory of his great sense of humor, bravery, quiet wisdom and his devotion to his family. He is survived by his wife, Maria, and children Annmarie, Melinda, Sandra and Jannine; his ten grandchildren: Isabella, Adriana, Daniel, Andreas, Sophie, Amelia, Emily, Lillian, Nina and Anthony; sons-in-law Daniel Marin, Kostas Piyis, Anthony Runfola and George Baker; and beloved sister-in-law Elaine Puglionesi. A mass will be held at 5:00 pm on Friday, January 8, 2016 at St. Patrick's Church, 10815 N. 84th Street, Scottsdale AZ 85260 (480)998-3843. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations to be made to John C. Lincoln Adult Day Health Care Center-HonorHealth Desert Mission, www.desertmission.com.

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