Anthony “Tony” Fiacco

Anthony J. (Tony) Fiacco, 91, passed away peacefully at Wilson Memorial Hospital on February 21, 2021. Tony was predeceased by his parents John and Domenica Fiacco, his first wife, Rose (Gallo) Fiacco and his second wife, Irene Kushner-Fiacco. He was also predeceased by three siblings Paul Fiacco, Rose Fiacco and John Fiacco, his in-laws Frank and Mary Gallo and Steve and Mary Kushner and brothers-in-law David Gallo, Dante Terrana, and Steve Kushner, Jr., sisters-in-law Ann (Mario) Palombo, Mary Lane and nephews James Fiacco and Mark Gallo.

He is survived by his children, John (Tracy), Richard (Linda), Robert (Kathy), Lisa (Michael) Klodowski, and Christine (Scott) Pionteck, and former daughter-in-law Andrea Fiacco (Bill Brinkman). Nine grandchildren, Jaime (Dana Schnell) Fiacco, Dr. Jodie (Joseph) Howell, Matthew Fiacco, Melissa Fiacco, Kristin (Patrick) Conklin, Daniel (Nalika Vasudevan) Klodowski, David Klodowski, Nicole Pionteck and Alicia Pionteck and six great grandchildren, Alexa and Brianna Fiacco, Rose and Lauren Howell, Ishan Klodowski and Ava Conklin. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Terrana, brothers-in-law, Augustine (Ann) Gallo, Joseph (Patricia) Gallo and sisters-in-law Jacqueline Fiacco, Barbara Fiacco and Cynthia Gallo. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and Godchildren.

Tony was a graduate of Union Endicott High School and Syracuse University, proudly attending on a football scholarship. After graduation he was employed at the IBM Country Club as Recreation Director. In 1967, he was invited to join the faculty of Vestal Central Schools where he taught physical education for 20 years. While at Vestal, he coached the varsity golf and rifle teams, and JV football. He had an active civic life, where he served as a Village of Endicott Trustee and Planning Board Chairman, and Town of Vestal Recreation Director.

A devout Catholic, Tony was a life-long member of St. Anthony of Padua Church, where he served the parish in a variety of roles, including Feast Days Procession organizer, Building and Grounds Committee chairman, Eucharistic Minister, Parish Council member, and collection counter. Tony was past-president and member of the Nocturnal Adoration Society, and served in many charitable organizations including the Holy Name Society, Knights of Columbus, and Order of the Alhambra. With Irene, he also began attending Sts. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church, where he made many lasting friendships. He loved family gatherings and organized the Fiacco Family Reunion for many years. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, golfer, bowler and gardener, and loved playing cards, especially Pinochle. He was a long time member of the Syracuse Football Club and a season ticket holder for Syracuse football games. A coach at heart, he never bypassed an opportunity to give coaching tips. He enjoyed traveling, whether it was a destination around the world, or driving along country roads admiring the beauty of nature. A man defined by his faith, friendships, and deep love of his family, Tony was a treasure who will always be remembered for his thoughtful cards and letters, his generosity and kindness, and finding the good in others.

The family wishes to thank the staff and residents of The Hearth at Castle Gardens for their care and making his stay so enjoyable. We would also like to thank the staff at Endwell Family Physicians, especially Dr. Gasparis. A special thank you to his granddaughter, Dr. Jodie Howell, for her invaluable assistance in coordinating his care, especially during his later years. We would also like to thank his many friends and neighbors for their love and support throughout the years, especially Anthony Ciotoli, Becky DiSerio, and his church families at St. Anthony’s and Sts. Peter and Paul.

A funeral mass will be held Thursday at 10 am, at St. Anthony of Padua Church, Endicott, NY, and will be live-streamed on St. Anthony’s Facebook page. Mass will be followed by private entombment. A celebration of Tony’s life will be held in the future when COVID restrictions allow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Anthony Endowment Fund, ℅ St. Anthony Parish Office, 906 Jenkins St, Endicott NY 13760, or a charity of your choice.