Antonio Evangelista

Antonio “Tony” Evangelista was born on January 18, 1938, in Colfelice, Italy, to Gaetano and Ida Evangelista, the youngest of 6 children. He came to America at the age of 18 and resided in Mamaroneck, NY, and then White Plains, NY for a short time. At the age of 21 years old, he met the love of his life, Catherine. They married on October 11, 1959, in White Plains, NY and eventually made a life for themselves in the house he built in West Harrison, NY. Along with his wife, children and grandchildren, he is survived by his brothers Angelo and Stefano Evangelista. He is predeceased by his sisters, Bernadina, Lidia and Lucia.  After a long battle dealing with significant heart issues, our precious poppy, papa and dad left this world on Tuesday, !0/12/2021. There are no words we can find to describe this amazing human being who lived his entire life dedicated to his family.  The love he had for his wife, Catherine (Scopelliti) Evangelista, was truly remarkable. He adored her with every ounce of his being. He and his wife instilled in their children the meaning of true love and what family is all about. His love for his children, Debbie (John Coleman), Anthony (Ana), Frank (Anna)and Lisa (Mike Carlucci) along with his prized grandchildren, Anthony, Michael, Stephen, Johnny (Emily), Amanda, Frankie, Mikey, Lianna, Ariana and Christopher and his faithful dog companion Cujo, will continue to remain in our hearts. Our dad (papa) was always there for us. He took so much joy in celebrating every moment of our lives, especially watching his grandchildren taking their first steps, speaking their first words, playing sports, graduating, etc. He referred to them as his “little Stars”. Our special family moments didn’t cost much, but they were special. Spending time at his summer home in Rhode Island, building sandcastles with his grandchildren, cuddling them as they napped and just loving them. As young children, we loved going out for pizza with the family and listening to his stories about playing soccer in Mamaroneck. These were very special times for us and we hung on his every word. Dad always took the time to help everyone, especially the less fortunate. He gave so much of himself to everyone he met. We know he has touched so many people in his life and made their lives better. Along with spending time with his family, he enjoyed gardening, cooking, watching sports and listening to his favorite opera singer Andrea Bocelli. He was and always will be our best friend. We have been truly blessed to call this man our father. Our lives will never be the same, but we will continue to live our lives to make him proud. Family first above all. We love you papa, may your sweet soul forever rest in peace. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Monday, October 18, 2021, at St. Anthony of Padua Church , 85 Harrison Street, West Harrison, NY.  Reposing from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Sunday, October 17, 2021, at the Ballard-Durand Funeral Home, 2 Maple Avenue at South Broadway, White Plains, NY.