Antonio O. Urciuolo Sr.

Antonio Orlando Urciuolo Sr. joined his beloved wife Helen Louise (Stock) Urciuolo in heaven on Friday August 23. Tony, “Muzzy” was the brother of Marie Capobianco of CT, Elvira Capriccio of Watertown and brother in law of Violet Urciuolo of Woburn. Brother of the late Constance Crisafulli, Antoinette Polcari, Joseph, Louis and Domenic Urciuolo. Loving father of  David Urciuolo of Natick,  Elizabeth Boucher and husband Dennis of Brockton, Linda Garrity and her husband Patrick of Sudbury, Susan Baccari and her husband Stephen of Waltham, Pamela Hurd and her husband Cushing of The Villages, Florida, Ellen Urciuolo of Newton, Terri Rancourt and her husband Douglas of Hopkinton and the late Antonio Urciuolo Jr. Beloved second father to Elizabeth Jennings and her husband Jerry of Florida. He is also survived by 25 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren and  3 great great grandchildren.

Tony was born in the North End of Boston and grew up in Belmont. He met his lifelong love Helen at the Belmont Studio Cinema “The Strand” as a teenager where she worked as an usherette. He loved to tell the story of how many times he sat through the same movie week after week until she accepted a date with him. He left high school to enlist in the U.S. Army in 1942 where he served proudly during World War 2. For his service he was recognized with numerous awards including the Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medal for meritorious achievement in ground combat in the European-Africa-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations as a member of the 28th Infantry Division. He was most proud of his combat infantry medal and the honor of marching with his unit in the parade on the Champs-Elysées in August of 1944 celebrating the Liberation of Paris. 

After returning home he was married to Helen in 1945 and settled in Watertown where they raised their family and he resided for 60 years. He worked for the U.S. Postal Service for over 30 years, retiring during his wife’s illness and then returning to work full time at Newton Wellesley Hospital for over 10 years.

 Life was full of family time and fun adventures in a full station wagon full of children. He was a a devoted hands on dad before it was fashionable, coming home from his overnight shift to make breakfast and waking up to make dinner. He enjoyed the simple pleasures in life and loved working outdoors in his yard. He proudly displayed his dozens of trophies as a champion candlepin bower. After his wife’s death over 40 years ago he remained devoted to her memory and large extended family. Strong and healthy he would join in our kick ball and wiffle ball games or long walks in the woods even after age 90. In his later years he enjoyed cruises with his children and grand children, frequent extended trips to Florida, long rides in the country and frequent family get togethers. He would never turn down a chance to go to the casino to play the slot machines or play cards with his family with his gold coins. He was always there for the good times and remained a strong, silent presence for whoever needed him most during trying times. Although his health was challenging for him the past few years he fought to remain active, upbeat, caring and kind and was loved by all who knew him for his funny gestures, songs and sayings. 

He gave his family the greatest gift in marrying their mother and providing a loving home, setting an example of what is important in life. Although reluctant to leave his family he spoke often more recently of the happiness he will have to join his wife, parents, brothers and sisters in heaven and was grateful for his long life on earth. He will be forever in the hearts of all who loved him. Gabba Gabba Papa.

Visiting hours in the Brown & Hickey Funeral Home 36 Trapelo Road Belmont on Wednesday from 8:00 - 10:00 Am. Followed by a funeral mass in St Luke Church 132 Lexington Street Belmont at 10:30 Am. Relatives and friends invited. Interment St Patrick Cemetery, Watertown. Late U. S. Army Veteran W.W.II. 

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