Anthony E. DiGello

Anthony E. “Tony” DiGello, age 78, formerly of Erie, passed away on Saturday, May 28, 2022 at his residence after a valiant struggle with emphysema and COPD. He was born on January 26, 1944 in Erie, PA, the eldest child of the late Edward and Harriett (Swanson) DiGello. Tony completed his high school education during his United States Naval service, acquiring kitchen experience which fed a lifelong passion for cooking and eating. Led by a strong work ethic, Tony owned and operated grape vineyards in Ripley, NY and Harborcreek, PA while also working at General Electric in Erie for 27 years. In addition to grapes, he planted acres of tomatoes which he insisted be harvested by family members to avoid the potential havoc of “pick your own”.

He was known and loved for his gruff exterior disguising a big heart. Tony enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, golfing, and conspir- ing in hunting camp shenanigans. The rough exterior may have been his saving grace when he was declared “superman” of the day in the national news for walking home to call paramedics after being hit by a train while rabbit hunting on his farm. After retiring full-time to Bradenton, he loved returning to Erie every August to make the most of tomato season and spending winters gloating about Bradenton weather. Tony was a lifelong fan of Cleveland professional sport teams in addition to Penn State and Alabama football.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, James, William and Edward DiGello, sister-in-law Denise DiGello, nephew Michael Saccamozzone, and “gumbadis” Hooks and June Triana.

Tony is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Sandra (Saccamozzone) DiGello of Bradenton, FL; children Michele (Eric) DiGello of St. Petersburg, FL and Frank DiGello of Bradenton, FL; siblings Patricia (Dave) Piskorski ofNewportNews,VA,Dennis(Ginny)DiGello,Jeffrey(Vicki)DiGelloand Lisa DiGello, all of Erie; brother-in-law Michael (Nicky) Saccamozzone of Baton Rouge, LA; several nieces and nephews, many cousins, as well as good friends in North East, PA and Bradenton, FL.

Friends may call at the William D. Elkin Funeral Home 65 South Lake Street on Sunday, July 10, 2022 from 3:00 pm till 6:00 pm. Private interment will be held at St. Gregory Cemetery.

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