1952-2023
Anthony Joseph Birtolo was born in New York City in 1952 to Delphina (Fernandez) Birtolo and Peter Anthony Birtolo. He grew up in the Electchester Co-op Apartments in Flushing, New York, with his older brother Peter. As a child he loved visiting his paternal grandparents, who had a colorful menagerie of animals in a large city apartment, including a monkey, seven Yorkshire terriers, three poodles, a myna bird and a duck. He always remembered the Christmas his Grandma Emma knitted matching red sweaters for him, his brother and each of the dogs – and, yes, they all wore their Christmas sweaters while walking the dogs down 9th Ave.
Tony graduated from Boston College in 1974 with a degree in education. At BC he met his first wife, Pat, while living with a “colorful collection of brilliant but eccentric characters” in a series of apartments, during and after college. Around 1979 Tony and Pat moved to Kennebunkport where they started a home and welcomed their two daughters, Emmaline and Jessica.
Always an artist, Tony’s first major work was a carving of “Robbie the Robot” into the wood of his mother’s sewing machine cabinet at the age of 5. He continued to draw and create art throughout his life. He belonged to the Amicus art co-op in Kennebunkport and also sold his drawings through Mast Cove Gallery.
In 1993, Tony met his current wife, Julia (Sharood), while working as a youth and family counselor at Sweetser in Saco. Ever the joker, he broke the ice by pelting her with peas during dinner, hitting her on the tip of her nose with one, to the delight of the boys living in Belfast Cottage.
Tony and Julia married at Hope Chapel (“You got married in a cemetery?!”) in Saco on Aug. 23, 1997. They welcomed their daughter Saraphina in 2000, and in 2002 moved to the Birtolo homestead, Full Moon Farm, in Kennebunk. Tony used his carpentry skills and much sweat equity to transform an old cape into a warm, cozy home filled with love, laughter, vintage Pyrex, bottles of hot sauce, fish and chicken tchotchkes, and silly fart jokes.
Tony was the family cook. No one created more memories around the family dinner table. With his sauce and meatballs, chicken soup, chili, or eggplant parm, we always had full bellies, good food, and lots of “Nana, Papa Tony is showing his food!”
Tony finished his career as a residential supervisor and trainer for Waban in Sanford. He enjoyed retirement and the time it gave him to spend with his family. He loved playing with his grandchildren, Dani and Liam. He worked with his daughter Emma to remodel her home and with his son-in-law Mike to build a chicken coop. He loved camping with Julia and friends and family. Tony loved fishing, golfing, drawing, hunting, playing games on the computer and cooking.
He would fall in love with a hobby or activity and then take great joy in practicing and practicing and practicing to perfect his skills and become the best he could – whether improving his golf swing or leveling up in Diablo. Even more, he loved sharing his passions with others: playing 18 holes at Dutch Elm with his buddies or teaching a friend to fly fish.
Mostly, Tony loved just being with his family and friends. He leaves behind many heartbroken loved ones who will miss him every day forever. He truly embodied a life of sharing love and laughter with others. He brought joy into our lives every day.
Tony was preceded in death by his son, Christopher Birtolo, and his parents, Del and Peter. He is survived by his brother Peter Birtolo and sister-in-law, Pam Birtolo, first wife Pat Delaney, his current wife Julia, his three graces: Emmaline Birtolo, Jessica Campbell and Saraphina Birtolo, his son-in-law Mike Campbell, his grandchildren Dani and Liam Campbell, and many other family and dear friends.
“We love you, Papa.”
“I miss you, Tony.”
“Eat poop”
The family is planning a celebration to honor Tony’s life. More details will be forthcoming. soon.
To share memories of Tony or to leave his family an online condolence please visit, www.dobsonfuneralservices.com.
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
