Anthony Charles Festa passed away peacefully in Guilford on Saturday, May 4, 2024. He was 85.
Anthony Festa, 85, passed away on May 4. His burial will be private.
Anthony was born in Norwalk on April 21, 1939 to the late Charles and Anna Festa.
Anthony graduated from Darien High School in 1957 where he played varsity baseball and developed his love for the French horn. He became an accomplished musician at an early age. He was selected for both All City and All State Orchestra and played french horn in the pit orchestra of various Broadway Musicals while he was still in high school.
After marrying Lucille in 1960, the two settled in Westport and lovingly raised their children. For the next two decades, Anthony ran a successful business and was an active member of Assumption Catholic Church, where he dedicated countless, loving hours volunteering and in fellowship with his many dear friends. Indeed, Anthony’s deep, abiding faith sustained him throughout his life. After Anthony and Lucille moved to Guilford in the early 1980s, they joined St. George Parish and immersed themselves in their new spiritual community.
A man of many talents, Anthony also was a private pilot and owned a flight school at Sikorsky Airport in Stratford. As an avid golfer, he enjoyed playing on numerous courses throughout the state and beyond.
Anthony adored his wife Lucille and had pride and love for his children and grandchildren, including Petey (his grand-dog). Yet, his love extended to all his family and friends. In turn, Anthony was loved deeply by all who knew him. He was an easy man to love — kind, generous, gracious, and with a smile and sense of humor that lit up the room. A true gentleman, he will be missed dearly by the many that loved and respected him.
He was the brother of the late Charles “Charlie-boy” Festa. In addition to his parents, Charles and Anna Festa, Anthony was predeceased by his devoted wife of 64 years, Lucille Ann (Valenti) Festa, 83, and his grandchildren, Christian Festa and Wyatt Frantz. He is survived by his loving daughters, Marci Ann Festa of Branford and Denise Winne of Ridgefield, and his grandchildren, Adam and Brendan Winne.
Friends and family will be gathered for a private burial at Alder Brook Cemetery
— an obituary from Guilford Funeral Home, where online condolences may be left