"Tony and Carol were our good friends from wintering in FL. The first thing I remember about Tony was sharing his love of boiled peanuts with us of which we were not as big of fan of as he was. Bob rigged up his cane with a fishing line and a bobber. Bob told Tony it was his ?cane pole?. After that Tony always called Bob ?Cane Pole Bob?. Eternal rest grant unto them O, Lord.
Bob and Judy Miller
Waterloo, IN"
In loving memory of
Anthony Contestabile
February 29, 1940 - May 6, 2021
Born on February 29, 1940 to parents Vincenzo and Antoinette, Anthony (Tony) Contestabile was predeceased by his wife Carol, his parents and siblings Phil, Lino, Lena, Mary, Felix, Vinny, Adrian, Billy and Rena.
Tony was married to the love of his life, Carol Schlueter Contestabile, for fifty-six years. They raised 4 children together (Jamie, Kevin, Tammy, and Robert) and over the years welcomed three daughters in law (Peg, Debbie, and Sara), one amazing son in law (Frank), 11 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Family gatherings were loud, full of laughs and even more food. The more the merrier, and Tony was always happy to have a heart to heart with any of his many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. You would often see him sitting back and admiring his brood. He loved the family that he and Carol created and was proud of the fine parents his kids turned into, as well as how intelligent and kind each of his grandchildren were. His heart was broken when Carol passed away unexpectedly in April of 2019.
Tony was a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service for 34 years. He was loved by those on his route, as well as his coworkers. He had a group of coworkers that he stayed in touch with until his very last days. After his retirement in 2000, Tony volunteered at Unity Hospital driving elders to appointments and delivering meals.
Tony went by many names - T, Uncle T, Umpa, Dad. Likewise, he loved to tease and had nicknames for everyone - including calling Carol, "Butch". You knew that you were loved if Tony picked on you. He had a great sense of humor and a deep, belly laugh that filled any room. It didn't take much to make Tony happy. He loved to garden, grow beautiful roses, bowl, and root for the Cleveland Browns. Tony loved Big Band music, Opera, Pavarotti and the Three Tenors, and Barbara Streisand. He and Carol loved to travel, explore lighthouses, casino trips, card games with great friends and spending time in the 1000 Islands where they had a cottage in Cape Vincent. One of his favorite things was fishing with his grandkids. Tony was also a great cook. He made a mean prime rib, seafood pasta, homemade sauce, and a downright amazing stir fry. The family dogs also learned very quickly that sitting next to Tony was simply the best seat in the house. He spoiled each and every one. The head of the table will now carry quite the void in his absence.
A special thank you to the many doctors, nurses, therapists and support staff of the Unity Hospital system. Your kind and compassionate care means more than you'll ever know.
The family will welcome friends to share their favorite memories of Tony on Monday, May 17th from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Bartolomeo & Perotto Funeral Home, 1411 Vintage Lane in Greece, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association or Brindle Posse Rescue, Inc.
Tributes
"The first time I met my great, great uncle Tony he acted as if he had known me forever. He was way more enthralled seeing my Nana (Annette) for the first time in a long time. They hugged and cried and you couldn?t help but feel the love in the room. I?m disappointed I only got to meet him once as he only came across as a great man, but I am fortunate I got that single afternoon in Tammy?s bakery. Sending my condolences to cousin Tammy and family as they navigate this trying time. With love, Hailey Upchurch "