Anthony C. Nitti

Anthony C. Nitti, 89, of Worcester, owner of the former Dante's Inferno Restaurants, passed away, Wednesday, October 22, 2008, in Hermitage-Golden Living Nursing Home. His wife, Flora A. (Bourassa) Nitti, passed away in May 2000. He leaves three sons, Anthony J.V. Nitti and his wife Jane (Mitchell) Nitti of Morgantown, Pennsylvania, James J. Nitti and his wife Anne (Roy) Nitti of Oxford, and Richard R. Nitti and his wife Jacqueline (Steiger) Nitti of Worcester; five grandchildren, Kimberly, James A., Michael, Richard, and Thomas; four great grandchildren, Tiffany, Michael, Mitchell, and Domenic; several nieces and nephews. His sister, Angelina Cutroni, pre-deceased him. He was born in Worcester, son of Vito and Erminia (Caruso) Nitti, and graduated from Commerce High. He served his nation proudly in the United States Army during World War II. He grew up in Worcester, later moving to Auburn and to Florida during his retirement years, before returning her to Worcester several years ago. Anthony and his wife Flora owned and operated several restaurants and night spots throughout the area, including Dante's Inferno steak houses in Auburn and Uxbridge, as well as the "Coffee Cup" restaurant in Drury Square in Auburn. He was a member of Our Lady of Angels Church, the Auburn Elk's Club, the Knights of Columbus and the Lions Club. While in Florida he was active with the Dunedin, Florida D.A.V. Post 103, and served as an honor guard there. The funeral for Anthony will be held Monday, October 27, from MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester, with a Mass at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of Angels Church,. 1222 Main Street, Worcester. Interment will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery, Worcester. Calling hours will be held Sunday, October 26, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer's Association 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, Ill. 60601-7633 or Make-A-Wish Foundation of America, Gift Processing Center, P.O. Box 29119, Phoenix, Arizona 85038-9119