Antonio Tony Murtari

Antonio "Tony" Murtari, 89, of Worcester passed away peacefully Sunday, August 28th 2011 with his family by his side. Tony was born December 4, 1921 in Worcester's south end a son of Frederick and Maria (Giacci) Murtari. He joined the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II serving his country as a flight engineer aboard a C46 cargo airplane. Upon returning to Worcester he met and married his devoted wife of 63 years, Agnes (Pannese) Murtari and has lived here all his life. Besides his wife Agnes, Tony is survived by his three children, Fredrick Murtari and his wife Donna of North Grafton, Joanne M. Johnson and her husband Scott A. Johnson, Sr., Patricia A. Murtari-Tetreault and her husband Lawrence all of Worcester; Four sisters, Frances Laganelli of Shrewsbury, Mary Sandstrom and Eleanor Mancini both in California and Evelyn Rida of Boylston; six grandchildren, Cindy Johnson, Gina Etter, Scott A. Johnson, Jr., Kristen Renaud, Lindsey Waitt, and Lauren Tetreault; three great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. Two sisters, Ida Casson and Jennie Multeri pre deceased him. Tony worked as Senior Custodian for the Worcester School Department at Forest Grove, Nelson Place, and retired from Belmont Community School. Tony was a talented guitar and banjo player, known as "Tony Murray", He played night spots with the likes of Perry Conte, Emil Haddad and his own group known as the "Highlighters" Tony was a member of St Anne's Church, and the American Federation of Musicians Local 143. A dedicated family man who cherished his family, friends and his home. He was an enthusiastic gardener who would give plenty of advice on the care and growth of early girl tomatoes. He will be truly missed by all those who knew him. Tony's funeral will be held Thursday, September 1st from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St with a Mass at 10:30 am in St Anne's Church, 130 Boston Turnpike Rd Shrewsbury. Burial will follow in St John's Cemetery. A period of calling hours will be held from 9 am to 10 am Thursday morning prior to the funeral. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Community Health Link, attn: Paul Richards, 72 Jacques Ave. Worcester, MA 01610. The Murtari family wishes to thank the staff of Radius Healthcare and Summit Eldercare for the, compassion, understanding and dedication they have given to our family during this difficult time.