Anthony Giorgilli

After a long battle with Parkinson's Disease, Anthony Giorgilli, passed away May 3, 2009 following respiratory arrest. Diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2001, he faced up to the disease throughout its unrelenting course with his usual good humor and self-effacement. Tony was born in Little Italy in Baltimore in 1927 to a family that would include 8 brothers and sisters. Although he would later reside first in Pimlico and then in Randallstown, he maintained a relationship throughout his life with Little Italy and he relished his trips to the old neighborhood to visit family and friends. Along with each of his four brothers, Tony served in the military during World War II, enlisting in the Navy in 1944, and reenlisting to serve during the Korean War. His tours of duty included the invasion of Okinawa, participation in both atomic bomb tests at Bikini Atoll in 1946 and in Admiral Byrd's mapping explorations of Antarctica in 1947, and, in 1952, in Operation Mainbrace, the first NATO operations initiative. He treasured these experiences and they, along with his memories of childhood days in Little Italy, became the content of personal memoirs that he drafted later in life. Following the military, Tony worked in construction and as a bail bondsman, but it was his 18-year employment as Building Superintendent at Chizuk Amuno Congregation that he truly loved. A convert to Judaism, his job provided an outlet for his love of people, and allowed him to learn more about his faith. He endeared himself to the synagogue staff and congregants, and was a favorite of the school children, all of whose names he made a point of knowing. During a synagogue event in his honor, a Chizuk Amuno congregant recalled an incident when, watching the children at play, she observed that all of them suddenly dropped their toys and ran, only to find them running to Tony who had arrived on the scene. Tony married Thedra (Teddy) Cohen in 1949 and would have celebrated their 60th anniversary in August. Their loving relationship resulted in four children and two grandchildren. In 2008, with the advance of the disease, Tony and Teddy moved to Tampa to live close to their daughters. Tony is survived by his wife Thedra, children Michael (Maria), Frank, Linda, and Marla, grandchildren Rhea and Allison, sister Anne (Joe) and sisters-in law Josie, Mary, Iris, and Eylene. A private ceremony was held May 6, 2009 with internment at the Florida National Cemetary. Donations in his memory may be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association, Inc., 135 Parkinson Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10305.His memory is treasured by his family and friends, and the many, many people who came to know him.