It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our husband, dad and grandad, Anthony J. Caraccio, who left this world on Thursday, April 7, 2016.   A loving husband to Joan for nearly 62 years, Tony would often say he was a lucky man to have gained the attention and love of such a “beautiful girl”.  Mere teenagers when they met in London during Tony’s service with The United States Air Force through thick and thin and in the face of much diversity, Tony and Joan paved the way for their children by showing them what true love and devotion is.

A father to 8 children, Tony worked hard to support his family in his younger years; always making sure that his children had the best clothing, food and family he could provide.  A man much loved by all his children, he had a knack for making each child feel special, each with their own nicknames, and special times shared just between them and their dad.  He taught us love and perseverance.
He taught us devotion and he taught us just what a family is and that no one comes before the love that binds us together as his children. 

A devoted gramps and Papi to 6 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren, Tony took a deep pride in the growth of his family.  His huge heart always welcomed more and he reached out and always included any and all children who surrounded his table and joined his holidays.  Family celebrations will not be the same without his sense of humor, honesty and kindness.

As a longtime employee of Methuen Housing Authority, Tony’s “boys” were as much a part of his family as anyone.  Long after his retirement, Tony would often visit his shop to share a coffee, story or joke.  He cherished his relationships with “the boys” and his family is grateful for their continued love and support.

Tony, “C”, “Sonny”, “Caraccio”, a man of many nicknames and varied interests, one of his greatest pleasures was spending a day at Rockingham Racetrack watching the horses run.  He enjoyed a good glass of cognac, homemade wine, pasta of all kinds, playing cards, and being surrounded by friends and family.  A testament to his devotion, Tony’s longest friendships with Shirley and Tony D’Angelo and Dot and Tony Lappadulla, spanned more than 70 years. 

Tony was a man of deep faith, who held Jesus in his heart.  For this reason we know he is in a better place as we also know that his walk to heaven was not made alone.  For along the way, he was joined by his two beloved sons who left this earth first, Robbie and Darren, who joyfully greeted his arrival.

Anthony Caraccio was born on March 10, 1933, to Carlo and Madeleine Caraccio (deceased). He leaves his wife, Joan, with whom he shared nearly 62 years of marriage.  He leaves his children, Colleen and her wife, Cheryl, Stephen and his wife, Diane, Cathleen and her husband, Michael Messina, David, Kelly and her husband, Scott Warren, and Kerry and her wife, Linda. He was predeceased by sons, Robert and Darren Caraccio.  Grandchildren include Robert, Jr., Jennifer, Luke and Stephanie Caraccio, Mckenzie and Braeden Warren as well as several great grandchildren. He is also survived by one sister, Betty Ann Weston, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to visit on Friday April 15, 2016 from 10:30 am to 11:30 am at St Monica Church, 212 Lawrence Street, Methuen.  A Funeral Mass will be on Friday at 11:30 am in St Monica Church.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105.  Arrangements are by The Charles F. Dewhirst Funeral Home, 80 Broadway, Methuen.  To send an online condolence, please go to www.dewhirstfuneral.com or www.facebook.com/DewhirstFuneralHome.

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