Anthony Paul "Tony" Paolo
February 11, 1924 ~ May 5, 2019
Anthony Paul (Tony) Paolo, 95, of Weirton died at Weirton Medical Center on Saturday, May 5, 2019. Born on February 11, 1924, in Weirton, Tony was the son of the late Angelo and Angela Paolo.
In 1947, Tony married the love of his life, Lena Marie Brancazio, with whom he celebrated 70 years of marriage. A graduate of Follansbee High School, Tony served in the Navy during World War II where he received a Purple Heart for his heroism aboard the USS Bagley. He worked on the Pennsylvania Railroad, later Conrail, for 43 years.
Tony Paolo was a kind, gentle, congenial and handsome man with a good sense of humor. He was committed to his family and never spoke ill of anyone he encountered. He displayed unwavering courage after the loss of his wife and his life partner, Lena, and in the face of the numerous health challenges that followed. He enjoyed horseracing, crossword puzzles, sports, music and telling jokes.
He was predeceased by his wife, Lena Paolo, and his brothers, Benny, Dominic and Joseph Paolo. He is survived by his children; Bernadette Paolo, Thomas Paolo and his daughter-in-law Darlene Paolo of Bethel Park, PA; his grandchildren, Carla (Christopher) Sweeney of Charlotte, NC, Dena (David) Robinson of Sterling, VA, and Tony Paolo (Samantha Strahota) of Pittsburgh, PA; his great-grandchildren Cole, Natalie, and Jack Sweeney, Alexander and Charles Robinson; his sisters-in-law, Helen Paolo and Helen Brancazio, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.
Visitation will take place at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home on Thursday, May 9, from 4:00 -8:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Joseph the Worker Church at 1:00 pm on Friday, May 10.
Interment will follow in St. Paul Cemetery, Weirton.
The family wishes to acknowledge and thank Tony’s caretakers; Rita Kaylor, Sue Adams, the management and staff at Serra Manor and all those who have extended such kindness during his convalescence.
“The thing about a hero is even when it doesn’t look like there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, he’s going to keep digging, he’s going to keep trying to do right and make up for what’s gone before, just because that’s who he is.” Joss Wheeler
Tony Paolo was a quiet hero.
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May the love of God surround you and your family during this difficult time, May you come to know that the love of God is with you always, May your memories of Anthony Paul Paolo, give you peace, comfort and strength… Rest now in the arms of our Lord your mission on earth is complete. I thank you for your service to our Country and my Freedom. You will not be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers to the family of …. US Navy Veteran, Anthony Paul Paolo, is “A True American Hero” God Bless† † Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 †
God Bless my Uncle Tony. In loving memory, Sarah Brancazio
Tommy & family, sorry to hear of your loss. My sincere sympathies. Jim ‘Moose’Musulin Mobile, AL
When Maryann and I were first married, uncle Tony and I would sit at his kitchen table drinking a cold beer. Here he would tell me stories about the Navy, his career on the railroad and the racetrack. He shared memories of his wife, Lena and his children, Tommy and Bernadette, who he adored. I didn’t realize it at the time, but Tony was sharing his life lessons and family values. I will always remember Tony as a very happy man who never judged anyone or had a disparaging word. To coin an old adage , “They don’t make ‘em like him anymore “. Rest In Peace Mark Gaudio
My condolences to Bernadette, Tommy and family. Your father was a good man. I will always remember your dad and and mom as two great people. Tom Laeng
Bernadette and Tommy, our hearts were saddened by the news of your father’s passing. Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss. I had the pleasure of meeting your father several times and he was such a gentle person. Bernadette you always described your father as a quiet hero, so when I saw that today in the obituary, I smiled because my memory of your father, is that of you talking about him. The Lord comfort and strengthen during this difficult time. Love and Blessings, Patricia.
Bernadette and Tommy and family, You have my deepest sympathy at the passing of your father. Your Mom and Dad were a lovely couple and I will never forget them and the times growing up in our neighborhood. God bless and keep you. Sandy Evano Ellis
I’m sorry to hear about the loss of your loved one. When someone we love dies, it’s natural to want to see that person again. God promises us that He will comfort us in our trials if we go to him in prayer. 2 Corinthians 1:3 calls him the God of all comfort. I’d like to share with y’all this link that shows 12 steps on coping with grief that is good for sharing. I have personally found this very comforting and I hope y’all do as well. https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&docid=102018086&srcid=share