Anthony V. DiCostanzo, 95, of Middletown, husband of the late Mary Theresa (Clarkin) DiCostanzo, died Friday, December 18, 2015 at his home, surrounded by family and friends.

Tony was born in Esperia, Italy, the son of the late Giuseppe and Maria (Paliotta) DiCostanzo.  His family migrated to the U.S.A. during the 1920's to The Bronx, NY. He graduated from Samuel Gompers H.S., Class of 1938.  Tony was a veteran of the United States Navy throughout World War II, (including tours in Guadalcanal, Okinawa and Iwo Jima campaigns), as a Chief Boatswains Mate. After the war, he managed the Westchester Bar and Grill Restaurant with his father.  He joined the N.Y.P.D. in 1956, retiring after 22 years of service, including assignments in the 41 ^st Precinct, Patrol Division (Fort Apache), the Tactical Patrol Division (TPF), the 24 ^th Precinct (Manhattan) Detective Division, and 11 years in the Internal Affairs Division (IAD).

He is survived by his older son, Thomas DiCostanzo (Kathy) of Columbus, NE, and their children Anthony (Nina Colgan), Joseph, Dylan (Willa), and Dyann;  daughter Diann Purvis (Joseph) of Jeffersonville, VT and their children James and Daniel (Christine);  and son Joseph and Deborah DiCostanzo (Middletown, CT) and their daughter Carey Perrotti (Donnie), and two great-grandchildren, Domenic Anthony and Luke Anthony (for whom Tony waited), nieces Joan Carol Mattson, Phyllis Rocchi and their families, also other cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a daughter, Atty. Mary Ann DiCostanzo, and three sisters, Angelina Mattson, Evelyn Paliotta, and Amelia Mowl.

Tony dedicated his life to the services of his beloved family, friends and country.  He was truly devoted to his wife Mary for 64 years, caring for her at home until her death.  They spent their retirement years giving loving support to their children and grandchildren around the country, living the simple life of sacrifice and unconditional care.

To the many who met or knew him, Tony's life was his message. He put the needs of others before his own. The stories he told will remain in the hearts of many who heard them: about his childhood in the streets of the South Bronx, in the jungles of the South Pacific Islands, his customers at the bar, to the true-to-life cop stories that could fill several books.  Most of all, Tony was honest, humble, compassionate and generous to a fault: the first to give praise to others, but never knowing how to accept it. His unique humor was legendary. Many hearts have been saddened by his passing, but Tony would want everyone to celebrate this Christmas holiday.  From our family, a very special prayer of gratitude to Anna, Teresa, Aisha, Cindy, and Kelly, who loved Tony in their own special way.

Calling hours will be held at the Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver Street, Middletown, CT, on Monday, December 28, 2015, from 4 PM to 7 PM.  A Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 29, 2015 at 11 AM, at St. John's Roman Catholic Church, 19 St. John's Square, Middletown, CT, immediately followed by a burial with military honors at the State Veteran's Cemetery, 317 Bow Lane, Middletown, CT.  Those who wish may send memorial contributions to Middlesex Hospital Hospice, c/o Department of Philanthropy, 28 Crescent Street, Middletown, CT 06457.