Anthony Ozzello Sr.

Tony was born Aug. 24, 1940, in Iron Mountain, son of the late James and Marie (Church) Ozzello. Tony grew up in Kingsford, graduating with the class of 1958.

He went on to become an apprentice for AFC Pipefitters & Plumbing. He then worked for 25 years for Bro Mechanical, retiring from there in 1983.

Tony literally left his mark on the community, being instrumental in the construction of several local buildings, including the Champion (now Billerud) Papermill, the Dickinson County Hospital, and Optalis Health. Additionally, he was a plumbing inspector for the State of Michigan.

Tony enjoyed fishing and spending time at his camp.

He had a passion for gardening, which he inherited from his father, and he could make anything grow. Sharing his home-grown vegetables with his neighbors and friends brought him great joy. Tony loved all dogs, especially his toy terriers, Max and Ruby. In his younger days, Tony was a musician and played the trombone, and he encouraged and supported his children and grandchildren in their own musical endeavors.

He was the “baby” of his own family and looked up to his siblings, and was very proud of his Italian heritage. A great storyteller, people always found him easy to talk to; he loved to tease and joke with others, bringing laughter to those around him and revealing a special twinkle in his blue eyes. Tony spent his last days surrounded by his family, this time listening to their stories and laughter. He was loved and will be greatly missed.

Tony is survived by his two sons, Anthony Jr. (Jennifer) Ozzello of Austin, Texas and Robert (Carla) Ozzello of Appleton, Wis.; daughters, Angela (Tony) Briggs of Menasha, Wis. and Theresa Ozzello of Kingsford; his six grandchildren, Marco, Elizabeth, Victoria, Martin, Luisa, and Nico; many nieces and nephews; and special friends Bonnie and Les.

In addition to his parents, Tony was preceded in death by his brothers, Larry Ozzello and Jim Ozzello, and sister, Betty Miller.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21. Burial will take place in Quinnesec Cemetery.

Friends may leave condolences to Tony’s family and tributes to his memory online at www.jacobsfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to Habitat for Humanity Menominee River Fund.

The family has chosen Jacobs Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Iron Mountain, to honor Tony’s legacy of life.