Anthony J. “Tony” Sabatino
January 28, 1942 - February 2, 2022
Anthony J. “Tony” Sabatino, age 80, of Middletown, DE, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 2, 2022.
Born in Philadelphia, PA on January 28, 1942, he was the son of the late Anthony J. and Emma (DiAngelo) Sabatino. Tony met the love of his life, Mary J. Palmieri and the two were happily married on October 18, 1969. He was an incredible loving father to Gia and his son-in-law, Rocky. His entire life revolved around his loving granddaughters, Gina and Gabby. He enjoyed spending time making homemade gravy, meatballs and baking cakes with the girls. Tony looked forward to our annual family vacations in Siesta Key, Florida, and smoking cigars with Rocky. Tony’s latest love was his little Cavapoo, “Patti” who added so much love and joy to his life. Not only did Tony touch our lives but all those who knew him.
Tony graduated from Monsignor Bonner High School in Philadelphia, PA in 1959. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. Tony worked for Delta Airlines in Philadelphia, retiring in 1995 after 23 years of service. After retirement, Tony worked for St. Annes Episcopal School in Middletown.
Tony was a great husband, father and grandfather. He will be greatly missed.
In addition to his parents, Tony was preceded in death by his sister, Raphael Christofala. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Mary J. Sabatino; daughter, Gia; son-in-law, Rocky; and granddaughters, Gina and Gabby.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5 pm until 6 pm, where a memorial service will follow at 6 pm on Wednesday, February 16, 2022, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 275 East Main Street, Middletown, DE.
Interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tony’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online by clicking here.
Eldon&Gail Faries
Tony, and I started with Delta together and grew to be friends.
He was always a pleasure to be around and we had many conversations about sports.
Tony and I enjoyed the game of golf, and spent time playing together.
He was one of the good guys who will be missed. Our condolences and love go out to Mary and the family.
Rettig Brenda
Blessed to have known him. My sincere condolences to the Family and all that knew Tony.
Tina Avallone
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss! My prayers go out to you and your family in this time of need! May GOD bless you and your family.
Linda9 Scheerer
I am so sorry for .your loss.I work with Tony long time . I miss him when he left .I will miss running him at food loin .RIP Tony my friend.
BRENT MAYS and Bet Grigoli
We are sorry for your loss. He was a great guy and we will miss his friendship and sense of humor.
Gina
Hi Poppop you were my heart and soul. I love you forever and always. You’re the best person. Thank you for being the best grandfather a granddaughter could ask for. Words can’t even describe our amazing bond we had was. I love you -Bean
Ed Hansell
Worked with Tony at Delta Air Lines in Philadelphia
My prayers and condolences to his family in this time of sorrow
Bet Grigoli
Life has so many trials and tribulations in this world. We have so many people that we love and they come and go. But because we have such a great Lord and Savior, we will see them again in a better place. My brother-in-law Tony was a really great man and loved by everybody. He was special and kind. It’s very hard for me to know that he went to heaven so soon. We all will miss him in such a large way. I am very lucky in life to have known Tony. I will never forget him in my heart.
Tony , Rest in Peace and I will see you in heaven.
Love Bet Gianna Palmieri Grigoli
Alan & Diane Stuckert
Mary, Gia, Rocky, Gina & Gabby, you are all in our thoughts and prayers! He was an amazing man! So kind and loving! He will be dearly missed!! Lots of Love,
The Stuckert’s
Tim Jones
Dear Family:
What a joy it was working with “Tony” at Delta Air Lines in Philadelphia; one of the nicest men I ever met. We began our career together at Delta.
I will definitely keep his family in my thoughts and prayers.
Tim Jones
Pete & Sheila Pulcini
Tony was such a great friend and family man. Sheila and I will always remember
the fun times we spent together over the many years. I was truly lucky to know Tony
and the impact he had on so many people. Our deepest condolences to Mare, Gia,
Rocky, Gina and Gabby
KENNETH MARTIN
RIP TONY, A GOOD MAN GONE TOO SOON.
Alison Defino
Sabatino Family,
I’m so sorry to hear of Tony’s passing. He was a wonderful person genuine and kind. I’m grateful to have known him and work with him at St. Anne’s ……..praying for all of you.
Love,
Alison, Abbie, Becky Defino
Judy and Tony Yarrusso
Tony was a great guy and a loving family man. We met years ago when our daughters were in high school together. He had a quick wit and was a joy to be around with his sense of humor. Prayers for strength to Mare,Gia,Rocky,Gina, Gabby.
God Bless the Sabatino and Lano family.
RIP …Tony
Al & Kathy Nanni family
Rest In Peace my friend. Will never forget the happy times our families shared together for many years. We all hold you in our hearts. God bless you and so long for now
Nicholas Spadea
You, along with so many others from Delta Air Lines taught me at a young age what work ethic truly meant. I’ll miss dearly our random conversation and occasional text messages. You gave more guidance in life then you’ll ever know. For that my family and I thank you for making me a better man. Rest In Peace Tony. The mark you left on this world will not be long forgotten.
Beth Bell
Dear Sabatino Family,
Mr. Tony was a beloved friend at St. Anne’s Episcopal School while I worked there for many years. I always loved chatting with him when he took my children on field trips. (Boy, did he love his Eagles!) We were so saddened to hear of his passing. I wish I could be there to give you my condolences in person, but we no longer live in Delaware. We will be sending a donation to St. Jude’s in his honor. God bless you at this difficult time. My boys also remember him and send their best to you.
Warmly,
Beth Bell, Kyle, and Jordan
Patricia Davis
For Mary and family,
I just learned today of the recent passing of Tony. I had the pleasure and honor to work with Tony each school day at St. Anne’s. He brightened my day with his great jokes as well as his stories about growing up in Philadelphia. He also spoke so fondly of Gia and Mary. I always told him that North Wilmington was never the same after he moved to your lovely house in your 55 and older community ( I think it was called Spring Mill) in Middletown. He was such a devoted and conscientious worker and although he attempted a gruff persona with his student passengers- the kids saw right through him and adored their Mr. Tony! May you find comfort in the memories of wonderful times spent together. He was a great guy.