Antonio Panaro Pizza

Antonio P. Pizza “TP”, a lifelong Middletown resident entered into rest peacefully on Friday, March 10th, 2023 at his home surrounded by his loving and devoted family.  He was 98 years of age.

          Son of the late Nicholas and Catherine “Nellie” Panaro Pizza, he was born April 13th, 1924, in the first ward known as “Little Italy” in Middletown, NY.  In 1949, he married the love of his life, Isabelle A. Pizza.   

          TP often spoke about his earlier years growing up in Middletown with his friends and high school football team.  He was extremely patriotic and loved his country as he proudly served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant.  While in the Marine Corps, he played football and baseball for the Norfolk Fleet Marines.  In 2016, he was privileged to take part in the Honor Flight to Washington D.C.  He was a member of St. Joseph’s Church in Middletown, NY and former member of Sacred Heart Church in Newburgh, NY. 

   After his military service, he went to meat cutting school in Toledo, Ohio and started his career as a butcher for A&P and Lloyds Shopping Center.  He then was employed at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in the meat processing plant, retiring after 32 years in 1980 as the Foreman.  TP was awarded throughout his career by Generals and Officers alike for his performance and outstanding work ethic. 

    TP was an avid golfer and a former member of the Newburgh Country Club, Orange County Golf Club in Middletown, and Boca Dunes Golf Club in Boca Raton, FL.  He later served as the Ranger and Starter at West Hills Country Club where he enjoyed his life to the fullest.  He was most proud of his four Hole-In-Ones during his golfing days.

   Survivors include: his loving daughters, JoAnn Babcock and husband Paul of Rock Tavern, Deborah LoPresti and husband Joseph of Middletown, Roseanne Tripodo and husband Joseph of Middletown, and Sophia Long and husband Daniel of Tampa, Fl; his eight grandchildren, Jason Babcock and his fiancé Sharmeen, Jessica Spadola and husband Thomas, Larry Lubkert and wife Heather, Lauren Maggio and husband Jason, Joey Tripodo, Alexis Tripodo-Wunder and husband Thomas, Brendan Long, Anthony Long and fiancé Anna; his eight great grandchildren; half sisters Elizabeth Barone and Angie Merwin; sister-in-law Elsie Pizza Candito; numerous nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog Bella. T.P. was predeceased by his loving wife of 70 years Isabelle A. Pizza, and his brothers Frank Pizza, Peter Pizza, Nicholas Pizza Jr. and John Pizza.  The family would like to give a special thank you to Dr. Alexander Fruchter and his nurse Jill for their home visit and to Dr. William Gotsis for his care over the years.  To the nurses and staff of Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties our heartfelt gratitude for your loving care towards our father. 

   A visitation for family and friends will be held from 4-8 PM Thursday, March 16th at the Cornelius, Dodd and Connell Funeral Home, 26 Grove St., Middletown, NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered 11 AM Friday, March 17th at St. Joseph’s Church, 149 Cottage St., Middletown, NY.  Interment will follow in the Orange County Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Goshen, NY.  Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties Inc., 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh, NY 12550.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Cornelius, Dodd, and Connell Funeral Home, Middletown, NY. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Antonio Panaro Pizza, please visit our floral store.