Anthony "Tough Tony" Silicato

Anthony A. Silicato (Tough Tony) (February 10, 1925 – June 11, 2017) 

 “Tough Tony” Silicato, age 92, passed away peacefully with his loving family at his side on Saturday June 11, 2017.  Mr. Silicato was born in Wilmington on February 10, 1925, son of the late Carmelo and Giuseppa (Gallo) Silicato.  He was also predeceased by his brothers, Sebastiano, Rosario, Gabriel, Carmen, Frank, Johnny, Alfred, Leonard, a sister Joann and his grandson Fabio DeNisio.   A veteran of the U.S. Army, Tony served his country with honor and valor in World War II in the Asia Pacific theatre (Burma Road).  A plasterer by trade, Tony worked in the family owned Silicato Inc., and later along with his brother Johnny, formed A & J Silicato Plastering / Stucco.  Tony’s reputation as a gifted plasterer was recognized throughout the city of Wilmington and especially in “Little Italy”.  An accomplished boxer, as a teenager, Tony made it to the Eastern Region Amateur Golden Gloves Tournament in Chester, PA when winning on points in the 2nd round; a head butt to his eye caused the ringside doctor to stop the match.  Had he won, he would have gone on to the national tournament in Chicago.  Tony continued to box while in the Army where he was the lightweight champion of the Island of Ceylon, known today as Sri Lanka. Tony was a lifelong member of the Sons of Italy, Prince of Piedmont Lodge 475 where he tended bar for over 25 years and donated countless hours of his plastering talents for various Lodge construction projects  as well as cooking for numerous Lodge events.  At the age of 85, Tony single handedly applied the stucco to the walls of the Lodge’s newly constructed bocce courts.  He was an excellent bocce player and his teams won many tournaments.   Tony was also a lifelong member of St.Anthony’s Holy Name Society.  Mr. Silicato is survived by his sister Catherine, 6 daughters, Ava, Antoinette, Joanne, Lisa, Nancy DeNisio and her husband Lawrence, Mary, his son Steve and his wife Patty; 11 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. Also by his side was his ex-wife Eileen, who through the years they maintained a strong & special bond as she tirelessly cared for him to the end.  The family would like to thank the staff at Regal Heights Nursing Home and the staff at Delaware Hospice for their compassionate care.  Funeral Services will be held Thursday June 15th, visitation at 9:30 a.m. followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. Thomas The Apostle Church, 301 Bancroft Parkway, Wilmington DE. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Prince of Piedmont Scholarship Fund, 603 N. Lincoln Street, Wilmington, DE 19805.  To send an online condolence please visit corletolatinafuneralhome.com.