Antonio Conti, formerly a longtime resident of Sharon, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family Friday evening, February 24, 2017, in his daughter's home, Hermitage.

Mr. Conti was born March 2, 1928, in Statigliano, Italy, a son of Isadore and Arcangela Conti. He was raised in Statigliano and immigrated, along with his family, to the United States at the age of 21.

A Korean War Veteran, Tony was inducted into the U.S. Army October 16, 1950 and was honorably discharged October 4, 1952. He was proud to have had an essential role in the fundraising and erection of the Korean War Memorial that stands just off of Route 318 in West Middlesex.

Tony was employed by Sawhill Tubular's former Sharon plant where he worked as a furnace operator for 42 years before retiring in 1990.

During his retirement, Tony's, along with his good friend Tony Fanone's, love for landscaping could be seen throughout the Shenango Valley.

He was a longtime member of Our Lady of Fatima – St. Ann Church, Farrell.

Tony was a member of Sons of Italy, Sharon, where he also played bocce, the Sawhill Bowling League and a volunteer fireman at the North Sharon Volunteer Fire Dept., where he was a longtime board member and helped run the bingo.

He enjoyed gardening, landscaping and playing bocce.

Tony loved passing out candy at the Buhl Day parade with the Fire Dept and watching fireworks.

He adored his grandchildren and great grandchildren and would always make the attempt to be present for their many activities and sporting events.

Once his illness began to take his independence, he began to share a home with his daughter, Linda Sundy in Hermitage, and Lisa Messett in Hanover, PA.

His beloved wife of 50 years, the former Rose F. Rosati, whom he married October 24, 1953, passed away October 24, 2003.

Surviving are: three daughters, Angela M. Lombardi and her husband Pietro, Masury; Lisa Messett and her husband Dan, Hanover, PA; and Linda S. Sundy and her husband Bill, Hermitage; a son, Anthony D. Conti and his wife Delia, Peters Township; 11 grandchildren, Joseph Lombardi, Christopher (Kelli) Lombardi and Cristina (Sean) Indick; Danielle Messett and Sean Messett; Sara (Mark) Haluska, Anthony M. Conti and Alexandria Conti; and Billy, Bryan and Kayla Sundy; and 4 great grandchildren, AnnMaria Indick; Rosalie Messett; and Lucas and Ava Haluska.

In addition to his wife, Tony was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Frank Conti.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Keywona Scott for her compassion and taking such exceptional care of Tony.

The family suggests memorial contributions may be made to Mercer County Veterans Affairs, 14 Courthouse, Mercer, PA 16137.

Calling hours will be 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday (2-28-17) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.

Funeral mass will be 10 a.m. Wednesday (3-1-17) in Our Lady of Fatima – St. Ann Church, 601 Roemer Blvd., Farrell, with Rev. Matthew J. Ruyechan, pastor, as celebrant.

Members of the Honor Guard will render military honors following mass at St. Mary's Cemetery, Hermitage.

Interment: St. Mary's Cemetery, Hermitage.