Antonio Solitro

Antonio Solitro

March 17, 1943 – October 21, 2024

 Antonio “Tony” Solitro, 81, of Worcester, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, October 21, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Karen A. (Barouk) Solitro; a daughter, Dina Rassias and her husband Timothy of Holden; three sons, Mathew Solitro and his wife Kelly of Shrewsbury, Andrew Solitro and his wife Jamie of Shirley, and Anthony Solitro and his husband Aaron Dewey of Philadelphia; a brother, Nicholas Solitro of Worcester; twelve grandchildren, Dominic, Vincent, Dante, Joseph, Ava, Theodore, Jocelyn, Leona, Angelo, Talia, Victoria, and Nicholas and his wife Jocelyn; as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. In August 2021, he was predeceased by his son, Peter Solitro. He was also predeceased by four brothers and four sisters, John, Marino, Giuseppe, and Michael Solitro, Nina Santoro, Maria Piracci, Rose Meriano, and Maria Ragno.

Tony was born in Vieste, Foggia, Italy, son of the late Matteo and Lucia (DiRodi) Solitro. He immigrated to Worcester in 1959 and became a proud American citizen in 1964.

 Tony and his brother Nick owned and operated Solitro Brothers’ Hairstyling for Men, a staple on Shrewsbury Street for 45 years. He was a barber and friend to all who gathered at “the shop,” and the community they formed brought immense joy to his life. His generosity extended beyond business hours, as he traveled out of his way to offer haircuts and companionship to anyone in need. Above all, he’ll be remembered as a man of steadfast loyalty, whose quiet integrity was evident in everything he did.

Life for him was best enjoyed in the company of close friends like Tony Gallati, Bob Peluso, and Junie Panarelli, whether swapping stories at the Italian clubs or sharing laughs at the racetrack on weekends. But his favorite pastime was spoiling his grandkids — Papa never missed an opportunity to shower them with love and create memories they’ll cherish forever.

Calling hours will be held Friday, November 1, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation St., Worcester. A procession will depart the funeral home Saturday, November 2, at 9:45 a.m., followed by a 10 a.m. Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 256 Hamilton Street, Worcester. Burial will follow at Notre Dame Cemetery, Worcester.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Tony’s memory may be made to his parish, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church.