Anthony J. Tambolleo

Anthony J. “Tony” Tambolleo, 79, a longtime resident of Sterling passed away Monday, December 28th, 2020 after a period of declining health. 

Anthony was born in Worcester into a large family, his parents were Frank and Philomena (Gonelli) Tambolleo. Raised in West Boylston, Anthony joined the U.S. Navy serving his country proud.  He married Phyllis F. Casanelli, and they shared a son Anthony “Harry” Tambolleo, who meant the world to him.  Sadly, his wife Phyllis passed away at the age of 36, and his son passed in 1996.

Until his illness, Anthony worked all his life, as both a longtime hairstylist/barber and landscaper for the company he founded “Inches Away.”

Anthony is survived by his long-time partner and companion Catherine Parretti, who he lived together with in Sterling; Catherine’s children, John R. Parretti and his wife Shay, who helped care for him during his failing health, Dina Parretti and her partner Bob, Lorraine Parretti-Crete and her husband James Crete, Stephan Parretti and his wife Lynn; nine siblings, Anna Renzoni, Lucy Brodeur and her husband David, Grace Crosby and her husband Walter, Shirley Cobb, Rose Gallagher, Theresa Manion and her husband Raymond, Mary Marold and her partner Jack, Joseph and his wife Joy, and Francis and his partner Diane; also friend and caregiver Joyce Gingrow and many nieces, nephews, cousins, step grandkids, extended family and friends.  His brother John Tambolleo and wife Sheila, three brothers in law, Joseph Renzoni, Gregson Cobb and Robert Gallagher, also predeceased him.

Tony had a lifelong passion for horses and horse racing and spent many years training sulky/trotting horses on his farm in Sterling.  Watching and participating as a Jockey in sulky-trotter races, he was a member of the U.S. Trotting Association.  A skilled barber and accomplished hairstylist, Tony was a member of the Barbers Association and would donate his time styling hair at local nursing homes.  He also volunteered for many years at National Night Out. Tony loved to cook as much as he loved to eat, and would often cook a quick meal for any visitors.  Playing and watching golf, trips to Maine, New Hampshire and Florida, and spending time with his adored little dogs were also a part of his legacy.  

Out of an abundance of caution and Massachusetts restrictions funeral services and burial in Worcester County Memorial Park are private. Memorial remembrances in his name can be made to the Joslin Diabetes Center, 1 Joslin Place, Boston. The MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street is honored to assist the family with arrangements.