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Anthony “Tony” Corrao, Sr., 82, died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family, April 18. He was the devoted husband of Alice V. (Lightbody) Corrao.
Born at home in Gloucester on September 2, 1929, he was the son of late Salvatore and Benadetta (Sansone) Corrao. He was a lifelong resident of Gloucester and a graduate of Gloucester High School class of 1948.
Tony served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, and upon his return home worked as a building contractor for many years. In 1975, Tony returned to Gloucester High School as a carpentry-related vocational instructor. He attended Fitchburg State College, receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Education in 1984. Tony was well known throughout the community for teaching popular Adult Education Sicilian cooking classes in the 70s and 80s.
In addition to his wife, Alice, Tony is survived by his four children: Anthony Jr. and his wife Jo-Anne (Sweet), and their children Jonathan and Jeremy Sweet; Marietta and her husband Bruce Kamin and their children Brendan, and Evan; Alison and her husband John Aiello, and their children Alycia and Arica; and Joanne and her husband Brendhan Zubricki and their children Joshua, Autumn, Reilly, and Lexi.
He also leaves behind his brothers Leo and his wife Dorris, Andrew, Salvatore, his sister Betty Dickinson and her husband Richard, and his sisters-in-law Violanda “Lilly”, and Betty (Jacobs). He is also survived by great-grandchildren Madison and Julianne Sweet, several nieces, nephews, and many great-nieces and great-nephews and God-children. Tony was predeceased by his sisters Rose Ciaramitaro and her husband Frank, Sylvia Carmello and her husband Carmen, his brother Carl, his sister-in-law Juanita, his mother-in-law Etta Lightbody, his brother-in law Oscar Lightbody and his wife Marion, and sister-in-law Mary Upton and her husband Arthur.
Alice and Tony recently celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary on Good Friday with a candlelit dinner. They spent winters with many wonderful friends in Arizona and summers with wonderful friends in Gloucester. They enjoyed square dancing, many years camping with the family, and relaxing on Wingearsheek Beach.
Tony was a man of many hobbies. He enjoyed painting, woodworking, making games for his grandchildren, winemaking, and gardening. He was an accomplished cook and avid fisherman. His gorgeous flowers and delicious vegetables were enjoyed by many. His favorite pastime was cooking the food he grew in his garden. Tony loved spending time with his grandchildren, whether it was teaching them his many trades, or being at their sporting events and other activities.
Tony was a proud member of the American Legion Post 113, the Gloucester Elks Lodge #892, the Fraternity Club, and the Vittori-Rocci Post 56.
Tony will be greatly missed by his family and friends. His loving strength guided us and protected us, and we have lost a wonderful husband, father, and Papa.
ARRANGEMENTS: All are welcome to attend a memorial service that will be held on Saturday, April 28th at 10:30am, at the First Congregational Church of Essex, 39 Main Street, Essex. Parking is available on Route 22 behind the police station. At Tony’s request, there will be no visiting hours. In lieu of flowers, in continuing Tony’s giving spirit, donations may be made to VNA Care Hospice or any charity of your choice.
