by Patria Baradi Pacis
Tony and I, had a special connection…an Italian connection. I met Tony about fifteen years ago, at the Montauk Library’s Gosman Room during a concert. I remember sitting next to him and being introduced by his daughter, Doreen. When I found out that Tony was from Italy, I made a point to say what my Italian, second grade teacher, Mrs. Lea Scapin, used to say to me when I was naughty in class at Le Scuole Di Corso Italia Elementary School in Mogadiscio, Somalia. She said: “Mamma Mia! Patria, Mi fá male la testá! or “ Mamma Mia, Patria, You give me a headache!” Tony got a kick out of that and from then on, we became good friends.
One could see why Tony was trim and fit. Years ago at summertime, while accompanying my nonagenerian, Mom Eden, to the Senior Center for lunch, we often saw Tony, dressed in shorts, walking at a fast pace, from his house to the Center, a half a mile away. I made a point of saying “Ciao!” or “Arrivederci!” to him and offered him a ride home, which he gladly accepted, but only after playing bingo. Tony enjoyed being surrounded by loved ones and making new friends. He was a people person.
During pre-Covid days, when the annual Christmas dinner for seniors, that the Montauk Firehouse Department and the Montauk Point Lion’s Club hosted each December, one would find Tony dancing the night away. He even danced with my husband and I, the Italian National Dance, called La Tarantella. I am sure, his wife, Madeline, who predeceased him in 2011, is glad to have her dancing partner back for good.
Anthony Corvi passed away at his Montauk home on Saturday, January, 15, surrounded by his family. He was 93 and a proud, veteran of the Korean War, past member of Catholic War Veterans, the Holy Name Society, and the VFW. He is survived by his three children, Donna, Doreen, John, and their spouses, seven grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.
A beautiful funeral service, attended by more than seventy family and friends, was held at St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church the following, Saturday, January 22, officiated by Father Liam McDonald. Hymns such as: “How Great Thou Art,” “Tis A Gift To Be Simple” and “Lord of the Dance” were sung. Heartwarming remembrances of their father and grandfather, were made by son, John and grandson, John. Readings were done by daughters, Donna and Doreen and the Gift Bearers were granddaughters, Molly and Nova. Each person, who paid their respect to the Corvi family, were handed a small, bottle of Lunetta Prosecco, with a beautiful, photo attached to the bottle of a younger, Tony and Madeline, dancing and so much in love. Burial was at Fort Hill Cemetery in Montauk.
The family has suggested a donation to East End Hospice at https://www.eeh.org or the Montauk Community Senior Nutrition Center at 240 Edgemere Street, Montauk 11954 or Church of St. Therese of Lisieux in Montauk at www.sttheresemontauk.com.
Tony is now at peace in Heaven, but I will miss his zest for life, gentleness, kindness, smile, and especially, the twinkles from his big, blue, eyes.
