A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 11, at Holy Family Church in Poland, with the Rev. Msgr. William J. Connell officiating for Anthony "Tony" J. DeFelice Sr., who passed away at Hospice House on August 6, 2017. Anthony was born in "Mahoningtown" New Castle, PA on March 28, 1930 to Francesco and Carmella (Schioppa) DeFelice. He had eight brothers and sisters who preceded him in death; Mary Citro, Coletta Crandall, Antoinette Conti, Isabelle Mastrantuoni, Emma Sandora, William DeFelice, Joseph DeFelice, and Antonio DeFelice. He attended Mahoning School and graduated from New Castle High School in 1947 where he participated in band and orchestra. He enjoyed bowling and played baseball for various teams; Ecclesian Club, St. Margaret, Elliot Steel, Sandy and Chuck, and Crotin A.C. He also had a tryout for the Pittsburgh Pirates Farm Team when Branch Rickey was General Manager. He entered the service in December of 1951, stationed in Camp Roberts, CA playing in the First Armored Division Band and later was sent overseas to Wurtzburg, Germany where he played for the 31st Army Band. He attended Youngstown State University and was also a self-employed grocer in New Castle. In 1960 he married the former Carmel Gatti at Immaculate Conception Church in Youngstown. In 1961 he was employed by Metropolitan Insurance Company, becoming a sales manager, and district sales manager; winning many awards and trips for his production. He obtained his CLU in 1977. He later moved to Campbell, Ohio where he was a member of St. Lucy's Church where he served as a lector, Eucharistic Minister, and Leader of Prayer. He also served as a Eucharistic minister of St. Elizabeth Hospital for over 25 years and enjoying volunteering at the Campbell Food Pantry and being in the service of others. After moving to Poland with his wife Carmel, they became parishioners of Holy Family Parish. He was recently honored this past Memorial Day for 50 years of service in the American Legion Post 560 in Campbell. He very much enjoyed being a musician and playing concert music for the Blue Coat and Red Coat Bands from New Castle, and the Paul Rossi Symphonic band, Warren band, The Plazateers and the Lowellville Concert Band. He and his beloved wife, Carmel thoroughly enjoyed dancing with one another at the various Italian festivals in the Youngstown Area and the experience of socializing with their many friends during these joyous occasions. They could also be seen at the myriad of sporting events and dance recitals in support of their grandchildren who they loved immensely. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carmel, on June 28, 2016. He is survived by his two children, Anthony (Tina Marie) DeFelice of Poland, and Annette (Vince) Romeo of Warren; seven grandchildren, Marielena (Stan) Gozur, Anthony DeFelice III, Dominic DeFelice, Vincenzo Romeo, Giuliano Romeo, and Lucianio Romeo; and one great-grandchild, Michael Thomas Gozur. The DeFelice and Romeo family would like to thank Hospice of the Valley for providing professional service at compassionate care. Friends may call at the Holy Family Church from 9 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Friday. Arrangements have been entrusted to the professional care of the Rossi Brothers and Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Avenue in Boardman. Family and friends may visit the Book of Memories at www.rossifunerals.com to view this tribute and send condolences to Tony's family.

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