Anthony Domenic Abbruzzese

Visitation:
Thursday October 23rd from 6:00 to 8:00 pm 
Evans-Nordby Funeral Home in Osseo

Funeral:
Friday October 24th at 10:30 am 
St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Brooklyn Park

Burial ceremony and honors:
Wednesday October 29th at 12:15 pm
Ft. Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis

Preceded in death by his loving parents, Michael and Fannie, and his father and mother in-law, Jesse and Carmen Alvarez; brother-in-law, Robert Albers.

Survived in death by his loving wife Jackie (née Alvarez), and their five children:

• Michele and Scott (Cole, Nichole, Courtney, Austin)
• Renee and Cliff (Elijah, Colton)
• Nicole and Jeff (Elliot, Evan, Tyler)
• David and Pamela (Grace, Ella)
• Valerie and Jeremiha (Quentin, Isabella, Gabrielle, Dominic)

Also survived by his sister Randa, her children, Bobby, Glen, and Cindy; and his brother-in-law, Jesse Alvarez

In Remembrance and Celebration of Anthony Domenic Abbruzzese:

Tony was born in Brooklyn, NY on March 4, 1943 to Michael, an Italian immigrant, and Fannie, a first-generation born American.  He was the little brother to his sister Randa, and spent his childhood in East Patterson, New Jersey playing baseball, playing with his cat and dog, and spending quality time with his extended family.  

In 1968 he married his love, Jackie, in Staten Island, NY, which was the beginning of a lifelong journey.  Together the two of them navigated life as newlyweds, establishing the roots of what would be 57 years of love centered on family.  Together, they grew a family of 5 beautiful children, with 4 daughters and a son.  Although Tony and Jackie began their marriage in New Jersey, a career opportunity led them to Minnesota in 1979, which is where they settled their family.

Tony was devoted to his family, doing what he could do to support their needs, hobbies, and aspirations.  With seven people in the house, work was a big portion of his life, working tirelessly to provide for his family.  For his family, work was not what defined Tony; it was the moments shared with him that fills lasting memories.  

As a parent, Tony was a Cub Scout den leader, a little league baseball coach, and a dance dad to four girls.  He spent many days cheering his four daughters on in dance competitions.  In addition to watching his daughters perform, he also participated in many father-daughter dances.  He perfected the craft of a slow pitch softball pitcher, teaching his daughters how to pitch and play, and later on he would go on to pitch in several men’s softball leagues, including on a team with his son and son-in-law as the lone veteran among young men in their 20s.  Later in life, Tony enjoyed boating and fishing on the lake with his children and grandchildren.  He also enjoyed cars, cats, watching baseball, and traveling.

Tony wasn’t a man of many words, not overtly expressive, but he liked being around his family, having a front row seat to his five kids and 15 grandkids.  Being present for gatherings, joking with those around him, and celebrating life’s accomplishments was what he enjoyed most with his family.  He felt immense pride for his family, always proud of key moments, showing it in his way with a subtle thumbs up, a pat on the back, or a hug to show his love.  One of the fondest memories shared by family and friends is of Tony’s one-on-one conversations, where his down-to-earth nature always shone through, often punctuated by a perfectly timed witty remark.

Tony was a proud American, serving our country in active duty and as a reservist in the Navy.  He served 26 years in total and retired as a Chief Petty Officer.  His family experienced the highs and lows of service as well.  From seeing him off and missing him for a few weeks at a time, to visiting bases with him throughout the country, to the fear of him heading to the Middle East during Desert Storm.  He built lasting brotherly bonds with his fellow serviceman over the years that endure today.

Tony was a sports fan, and coming from the New York sports market, his family was impressed how he adopted the Twins and Vikings as his teams relatively quickly, which was a blessing and a curse.  He experienced, alongside his family, the highs of the Twins winning the World Series twice and magical Vikings seasons, like 1998 firsthand from the 4th row on the 10 yard line at Metrodome.  A lasting memory is his frustration with both teams when they weren’t playing well.  This was one of the few subjects where he was truly expressive with his anger and disappointment, and it's a fiery trait many of his children carry forward today. 

The last 17 years of his life brought health challenges for Tony.  He was a cancer survivor, from both stage 3 colon cancer and a completely isolated case of kidney cancer, leaving him with just one remaining kidney that worked for 15 years.  Just two years ago, he needed to begin dialysis and during this time he developed dementia.  Throughout this time, his wife Jackie was devoted to him and his health, taking on the difficult role of caring for her spouse.  She went well above the call of duty and did a fantastic job taking care of him, making many sacrifices for his well being.  

Tony taught those around him that the best life is built on the smallest, most simple gestures of love.  Spend your time with the ones you love and laugh with them.  Tony will be missed, but his memories and spirit will live on.

In lieu of memorials to the family, memorials can be directed to the American Kidney Fund, the American Cancer Society, or St. Jude.