Anthony J. Macchiaroli

Obituary of Anthony J. “Tony” Macchiaroli

Of North Huntingdon, age 89, passed away on February 25, 2025, at his home.

Tony was born June 8, 1935, in Bellosguardo, providence of Salerno Italy, the son of the late Giuseppe and Angela Parente Macchiaroli.  At the age of 3 Tony became an orphan.  Louise Macchiaroli, his father’s sister removed him from a day care managed by the nuns.  Aunt Louise had 4 children: Amalia, Maria, Matthew and Johnny.  Tony became her fifth child to care for in Italy.  Aunt Louise taught him strong work ethics.

At the age of 17, Tony arrived in the United States on March 10, 1953 (after waiting 8 years).  Tony had 35 cents in his pocket.  Tony was lovingly sponsored by Uncle Vito Parente and his wife Anna and resided in East Pittsburgh, PA.

In 1957 he went into Braddock Hospital for appendix surgery and met a student nurse, Rosemarie Billey, who became the love of his life.  On July 14, 1959, they married and had 2 sons.

In 1958 he opened a shoe repair store in Great Valley Mart in North Versailles.  In 1963, he moved to Eastland Mall which closed in February of 2005.  Tony returned to Great Valley Mart and retired after 64 years of service to his beloved community on August 31, 2022.

Tony was a devout Byzantine Catholic and attended St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church in Latrobe, PA.  He prayed daily for friends, family members and acquaintances.  He prayed for all who suffered because Tony felt faith was everything in love and life.

Tony will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, friend and craftsman.  He loved his trips to Bellosguardo with his friend Mike Muro, especially the trip with his beloved grandson.

Tony was preceded in death (February 21, 2015) by his loving wife of 55 years and his cousins, Matthew and Johnny Macchiaroli.  He is survived by two sons, Dr. Joseph Anthony (Lisa Joy) Macchiaroli and Peter Billey (electrical engineer) Macchiaroli, 2 grandchildren, Maria (Dr. Ben) Hodnett and Anthony Joseph (Alana) Macchiaroli and 2 great grandchildren, Georgia Rose and Parker Nolan Hodnett.

Special thanks to my family, the Billey’s, neighbors and countless friends who made my life complete.  Special thanks to Jane Brosnick, who gave care as needed.  Tony will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.  As Tony said, “I never thought I could have found so much love in the United States”.

All are welcome on Friday from 3-7pm at Patrick T. Lanigan Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 700 Linden Ave at Cable Avenue, East Pittsburgh (412-824-8800) where a Parastas will be prayed on Friday at 3:00pm.

Divine Liturgy will be in St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church in Trauger on Saturday at 10 a.m.

Tony will be laid to rest in the St. Mary Byzantine Church Cemetery.