Anthony Joseph Fantello
April 6, 1923 - May 20, 2016
Obituary
Anthony Joseph Fantello
Anthony (Tony) J. Fantello of Kent, WA. died May 20, 2016 surrounded by family. He was 93. He was born April 6, 1923 on the family farm in Enumclaw, WA. He attended Enumclaw schools, was active in 4-H and graduated with honors in 1941. After high school, he continued to mentor young people in 4-H and agriculture. From an early age he was very intelligent, resourceful and mechanically inclined, and could analyze, build and repair just about anything. Having lost his father at the age of eight years old, these traits proved very beneficial for the times as he had to assume a fatherly role to his three younger siblings.
As a young man, he continued to work on the family farm where he built a state of the art milking parlor (for its time) and a wood and mortar silo that still stands to this day. He also worked part-time as a lineman for Bell Telephone in the Krain area. On February 14, 1953 he married the love of his life, Prudence Vacca, at St. Anthony’s Parish in Kent, WA. and they honeymooned in Hollywood and Palm Springs, California. Thereafter, he spent a short time at Collins Motors Ford Garage until going to work at Todd Shipyards Seattle in the early 1950’s as a Shipwright and Marine Carpenter working his way up to Shop Manager responsible for the framework of many large Naval vessels until retirement in 1988. He and his family moved to Kent, WA. in 1977.
He was a friendly man that provided for and loved his family and he could carry on a conversation with just about anybody. He loved to tell stories and talk about old times with his grandchildren and friends. He was an avid reader and loved to research what interested him, and was always willing to share his knowledge and skills with others.
He was not afraid of hard work and was proud of his accomplishments in life. He will be dearly missed by his family and many friends.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Prudence of Kent, WA., daughter Rita (Ron) Nauer of Kent, WA., son Tony (Kathi) of Enumclaw, WA., three grandchildren (Tony, Andrea and Alyssa) and one great-grandchild (Bennett), sister Mary Scoccolo (John, deceased) of Issaquah, WA., and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by parents Dominic and Filomena Fantello, and brothers Felix and Joe (Carol, deceased) Fantello.
Funeral service to be held at St. Stephen the Martyr Parish, Renton, WA. on June 1, 2016. Viewing 10 a.m.; Rosary 10:30 a.m.; Funeral Mass 11 a.m. with Reception immediately following; Entombment 3:00 p.m. at Bonney-Watson Washington Memorial Park, SeaTac, WA.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the American Heart Association.
My thought and prayers are with you Pru and family.
I think of you so often. God Bless and take care.
Tony was one of the “great shipyard characters” that kept me in Todd Shipyard for nearly forty years. I was only one of many who learned the lessons of life and simple skills from Tony about working with wood and geometry of shipyard construction. On the drydocks, Tony was the “deflection eyeball” that kept alignment of the ship and drydock stress-free. I called it the “calibrated eye”.
I always loved the stories from Tony’s life in “Enumscratch” and will forever consider myself very lucky to have known and worked with Tony. RIP my friend.
The Fantello family was well respected in Enumclaw. My sympathy goes out to all of them at the loss of their loved brother and family. I miss Felix who was in my Enumclaw High Class of 1944.
Bless all of you.
Dorie
I am joined by my family is sending to you, Prudence, and your family, our thoughts, prayers, and fond memories of the many visits we had together. May you find peace at this time, Suzanne
Prudence and the Fantello Family:
Paula and I wish to extend our deepest sympathy in the loss of Tony. We always enjoyed his stories when we got together. We know that he will be missed, but he remains in your hearts forever.
he was friends with my father for many years.
prayers are for all of you.
jim
Tony was the Assistant Foreman (Quarterman) of the South Carpenter/Shipwright shop who was in charge of leading shipwright and layout linemen for new construction on the Oliver Hazard Perry class FFGs – the Cadillac build of this class FFG. A wise gentleman, who explained tasks proficiently, so proficiently one would have to be deaf, not to understand his instructions. I a shipwright or crew messed up a task, once again the task at hand was well explained, but beginning with “I’ma gonna tellya”. A character who rarely took time off for vacation, which is most unheard of – those who knew Tony, knew why he didn’t take time for holidays – the explanation of which would have one rolling on the floor laughing – if you didn’t feel Tony’s goodness and kindness, one wasn’t paying attention. All the best to you Tony – a wise man. Seeya on the other side.