NORWICH – Anthony V. Sabella, 71, passed away unexpectedly on April 15, 2011 at Chenango Memorial Hospital.
Born in Queens on Aug. 9, 1939, Tony was the son of Anthony Sabella and Diana (Curreri) Sabella. He was predeceased by his parents, two brothers, Angelo Sabella and Barney Sabella and two sisters, Virginia Covais and Angie Feola. He is survived by two siblings, Michael Sabella of West Babylon, and Betty Low of Albany. He is also survived by his wife, Gail (Herron) Sabella whom he married on Oct. 21, 1963 at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Oneonta. Also surviving are his three daughters and their spouses, Dr. Janine Sabella and Jeffrey Woeppel of Cooperstown, Jennifer and Gary Davis of Clarks Summit, Pa. and Michele and Anthony Milliman of Rochester. His grandchildren, Celia, Clayton, Colin, Alexander, Gabrielle, Andrew, Adam and Abigail were his most precious assets and will continue to be forever influenced by his guidance and unconditional love.
Tony was a graduate of SUNY Oneonta with a bachelor’s degree in education. For most of his career he worked as a Safety and Security Administrator for Norwich-Eaton Pharmaceuticals and Amphenol Corporation in Sidney. Serious health issues forced an early retirement.
An avid outdoorsman, Tony was a member of Trout Unlimited, the Rockdale Rod and Gun Club, the National Rifle Association and the NYS Rifle and Pistol Association. He was a life member and Past Exalted Ruler of BPOE Elks #1222, Norwich. He was a proud U.S. Marine and a member of the American Legion.
Tony was a family man to the core. He grew up as a first generation Italian in and immigrant family where material things were few, but where love was the first priority. He was a “chef extraordinaire.” Family and friends looked forward to social gatherings knowing that PopPop (as he was affectionately known) would be cooking!
The family will receive friends at the Wilson Funeral Home, 68 South Broad St., Norwich from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday. A memorial service will follow at the Canasawacta Country Club at noon with Deacon David Kirsch officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to either the Histiocytosis Association of America, 332 North Broadway, Pitman, NJ 08071 or to the American Heart Association, PO Box 3049, Syracuse, NY 13220.
The arrangements are under the direction of the Wilson Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to Tony’s family by visiting the funeral home website at: www.wilsonfh.com.