LEWISTON — Anthony Nino Emmi, known to his friends and family as Tony, died peacefully in his sleep Friday evening, June 30, at the Montello Manor in Lewiston.
Tony was born to Giosia Emmi and Lucia Anzalone in Queens, New York, N.Y., the second of three children. He spent his childhood in the Ravenswood neighborhood of Astoria, Queens. Tony graduated from Long Island College and the University of Maine Law School. He enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II. His service brought him to the Naval Air Station in Brunswick. While in Maine, Tony met the love of his life, Adrienne Cote. Tony and Adrienne married July 16, 1949, at Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Sabattus.
Tony and Adrienne moved to Lewiston to fulfill her lifelong dream of settling on her family farmstead on Old Greene Road. They spent many wonderful years celebrating with family and friends “on the farm.” They had an open door to all, and there was always coffee on the stove. Tony joined the Lewiston Police Department, serving for over two decades where he achieved the rank of captain before his retirement. He was celebrated by his colleagues as a fair and caring captain with a great sense of humor.
Tony and Adrienne enjoyed traveling with her siblings and their friends. They often visited their camp in Eustis to enjoy Western Maine by snowmobile. They traveled to his family’s native Sicily, vacationed throughout Canada, and visited Florida each winter. Tony was a great linguist and enjoyed speaking in Italian, Spanish and French. He was an enthusiastic cook, celebrating many family recipes and traditions from Sicily. In retirement, Tony was a thoughtful and dedicated caretaker to his wife, who suffered from Parkinson’s disease for nearly two decades before her death in 2004.
He is survived by his children, Ann Marie Hardy (Bruce) of Farmington, N.H., Marc Anthony Emmi (Karen) of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and Michael Nino Emmi (Kathy) of Lewiston; his grandchildren, Megan Emmi (Justin Bouse) of Sullivan, Mo., Nina Emmi of Auburn, and Mary Emmi of Brooklyn, New York, N.Y.; two great-granddaughters, Julie and Jenna Bouse; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Tony is predeceased by his wife, Adrienne; his parents; his sister, Angela Emmi DeCanditis; and his brother, Joseph Emmi.
His family would like to give special thanks to the exceptional nurses and caretakers at Montello Manor, where Tony spent the last month of his life.
Condolences, donations, and a video tribute may be found online at www.albert-burpee.com.
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