Anthony LaCalamita

Anthony "Tony" F. LaCalamita was born in Brooklyn, NY on August 21, 1944 to Teresa (Misurelli) and Antonio LaCalamita, and is survived by his loving wife Florence (Petillo), sons Anthony, Vincent (and Jodi), granddaughters Hannah and Emily, sisters Grace (LaRossa) and Diana (Scarabino), brother Frank, and eight nephews and six nieces. Tony grew up in a strong, loving, Italian, Catholic family and was always a playful, social person. He was proud of his Italian roots and being a native of Brooklyn. After graduating from John Jay High School in 1962, he married his neighborhood sweetheart Flo on April 17, 1966. He was driven to be successful and provide for his family. To him, "la famiglia" was most important. He had a strong entrepreneurial spirit and was the co-owner of a successful motorcycle dealership in the 1970s before embarking on a long career as a sales executive, starting within the motorcycle and personal watercraft industries, then within the commercial bus industry. This involved moves to Connecticut, New Hampshire, Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Florida. Despite the ups and downs of the businesses he was involved in, Tony had an indefatigable attitude. He was always driven to do well and to lead others to success, whether with his business, sales team, his sons' sports teams, parish committee, or family gathering. At every stop along the way he was able to cultivate meaningful relationships and long lasting friendships with people from work, neighborhood, and church. Tony was a man that was always seeking to enjoy life with the people he cared about but also came to see the value in serving others in the community and the Church. He served in the Knights of Columbus in the Fourth Degree and as a Grand Knight in southeast Michigan. He also took on leadership roles with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, helping establish Thrift Store and St. Peter Claver Prison Ministry in central Florida. Tony enjoyed spending time with his immediate and extended family for holidays and special events and promoted the importance of these gatherings. Tony was fun-loving and wanted people around him to have a good time, whether at the dinner table, meeting or golf course. Tony's zeal for life continued as he battled the symptoms of Multiple System Atrophy over these last few years of his life on this earth. He showed a remarkable patience and endurance, and was never one to complain about his condition. He fought the disease bravely until after 73 years of a good life, God called him home. Tony lived fully alive and sought to see others be engaged with life to the fullest as well. He came to have a strong faith in God and one of his favorite prayers was "Jesus, I trust in You." We are grateful for his zest for life and for people. We'll miss you as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, but look forward to celebrating with you at the eternal banquet in Heaven. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, August 24, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Agnes Parish, 6101 Zinser Street, Weston, 54476. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of mass at the church. Brainard Funeral Home - Everest Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Knights of Columbus Wausau Chapter 4628, 113 W Kort Street, Rothschild, WI 54474. The family would like to thank Aspirus Hospice House for their compassion while Anthony was in their care.