Anthony J. Bondi, of Higganum, CT, passed away on Friday, March 22, 2019. Anthony was born to John and Lucy Bondi. He leaves behind Barbara B. Bondi, his loving wife of 52 years and sister, Antoinette Stark. He is also survived by daughters, Jennifer (Stephen) Verrill, Lynne Bondi; and son, Dustin (Katerina) Bondi. He will be greatly missed by his four grandchildren, Kailey and Jordan Curran, Hudson Verrill and Andrea Bondi.
Anthony (Tony) was a graduate of the New School of Social Research in New York. He became a very successful businessman. He ran his own business for 29 years and handed it to his son, who still runs it today. He was very active within his community. Having children in the local schools he became active in the Board of Education serving for 10 years and becoming Chairman of the board for three years.
He also served as a volunteer fire fighter for 5 years. He loved playing Santa at the firehouse. His inability to drive the fire truck led him to find his expertise in holding the flashlight while his fellow fire fighters were courageously saving peoples live and putting fires out!! (Okay, to those reading this, my father wanted to put a smile on your faces as you read about his life.)
He loved being social and dealing with the public. It started in high school being voted class president. Much later, he decided to run for the Office of First Selectman for the Town of Haddam. He held office for 5 consecutive terms. The town honored him by naming the Senior Center and the Handicap Accessible Playground after him.
Although he had many personal accomplishments the one he is most proud of is that of a husband, dad, “oompah” and “papa”. He leaves behind four grandchildren who all have been touched and influenced by his love, wisdom, humor, and bravery.
Even though he had health issues he was strong and determined to spend as much time here with us as possible. His will and desire to be with his family allowed him to be with us for 30 years longer than we all thought.
He will always be remembered as the funny, intelligent, joke wielding, wise-cracking, insightful, helpful, strong, loving, caring, hardworking husband, father, “oompah”, and “papa”.
May he rest in peace as he waits for each of us to join him. May peace be with all of you and your families as it is now with my husband, our father, my oompah, and my papa.
His Funeral Liturgy will be held Friday (Mar. 29th) at 10:00 a.m. at St. Pius X Church, 310 Westfield St., Middletown. Burial will be at the convenience of his family. Friends may call at Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver St., Middletown on Thursday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
