Northborough

North End-Boston

Anthony J. Federico, 94, passed away peacefully at home on February 26, 2019, his loving family by his side. He leaves his devoted wife, Grace C. (Danna) Federico; two sons, Michael Federico of Northborough and Stephen Federico and his wife Kathleen Cappellano of Natick; his precious granddaughter, Deanna Federico and many loving nieces and nephews. His brothers Constantino, Sam, Gino and his sister Rose Fabiano all preceded Tony in death.

Born in 1924 and raised in Boston’s North End, Tony was a son to the late Michele and Maria Federico. He grew up in the North End and was a graduate of the former Roxbury Memorial H.S. He enjoyed boxing and trained as an amateur boxer during his early 20’s. Throughout his life he loved watching boxing matches and following the Red Sox and Patriots.

Tony met his wife and love of his life, Grace Danna at the famed Filene’s Basement in Boston’s downtown crossing. Grace often referred to him as her Filene’s Basement bargain. They married on October 23, 1949 and raised sons Mike and Steve during their marriage of over sixty-nine years. Family leisure time included traveling in New England and beyond and enjoying lakeside vacations with the boys and extended family. Tony enjoyed sharing his knowledge of home improvement, meticulous landscaping, and auto repair with his sons.

Tony first worked at the Hingham Shipyard where during World War II he built amphibious assault landing craft. He was employed for many years by the B.F. Goodrich Rubber Company in Watertown and was well respected among friends and colleagues as a foreman and instructor. In 1968 Tony joined the US Postal Service and worked as a letter carrier. He enjoyed interacting with customers and developed friendships with his coworkers, some of which lasted for over thirty years. After retiring in 1986, he toiled in home improvement projects, and enjoyed landscaping and gardening. He took pride in raising a bounty of vegetables – tomatoes, green beans, Swiss chard and more, to enjoy with his family and neighbors.

In 1996 Grace and Tony headed west from Roslindale and built a home in the Birchwood Adult Community in Northborough, MA where they quickly settled in and befriended many new neighbors. They were both involved in the community’s activities; Tony serving diligently on the snow and landscaping committees, and Grace on the planning committee and a regular participant at game nights.

His true joy arrived in 2003 with the arrival of his only grandchild, Deanna. He enjoyed attending her school events and having a helper in his garden. Through his final days he would light up and be energized by her presence. Tony and Grace were always there to support their extended family through good times and bad. Tony’s humor, compassion, kindness and sky blue eyes will be missed by all who had the honor to know him.

Visiting hours will be held from 8:30 – 10:30am on Saturday, March 2nd, at Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main Street, Northborough. Tony’s funeral will take place at 12pm Saturday in the chapel of Knollwood Memorial Park, 319 High Street, Canton. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Tony’s memory to the Italian Home for Children, 1125 Centre St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130.