Anthony J. Risitano Sr.

Anthony J. “Tony” Risitano, Sr., 84, of Andover passed away Tuesday, May 24, 2022, at his home with his loving family by his side.  Born in Boston, he was the son of the late Giacomo and Josephine (Ingegnieri) Risitano.

Tony was raised and educated in the South End of Boston and Somerville, MA. He served in the US Army, was stationed in Germany (an experience that both broadened his horizons and became the basis of a lifetime of stories), and upon returning home found his way into sales, eventually leading him to the Kenneth Crosby Company in Hopkinton, MA, where he remained for the next 49 years. His years at Crosby led to lifelong friendships and he cherished the experience of being on the road and meeting with customers. Tony enjoyed being outside in the yard learning about the plants and flowers that he so meticulously maintained, and he was always up for a challenge, whether it be solving a problem on the shop floor with one of his customers or tackling a home-improvement project at home. He maintained a wide network of friends, many of which he’d had since childhood, and his family was the axis on which his world turned. He lived his life on the principals of integrity, humor, generosity and gratitude – traits that he displayed both in his personal and professional life. He was a member of the Merrimack Valley UNICO Chapter and St. Augustine Church in Andover.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Marie A. (Corso) Risitano; son, Anthony J. Risitano, Jr. and his wife Kelli Prescott of Wolcott, VT; sisters, Antoinette Risitano of Somerville, MA and Barbara Reed and her husband Robert of Somerville, MA. He also leaves behind many nephews and nieces.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Tony’s memory to Make-A-Wish Foundation (www.wish.org), St. Jude Children’s Hospital (stjude.org), or Care Dimensions Hospice (www.caredimensions.org).

At the request of the family, services were private with burial in West Parish Garden Cemetery, Andover. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.