Anthony “Tony” Rondinelli, age 101, of Chesterton, passed away Saturday, September 13, 2008.

He was born on March 17, 1907 the son of the late Antonio and Barbara Rondinelli in Filidefia, Italy.

Tony married Margaret Maiolo on October 23, 1937. They were married 70 years and would have celebrated their 71st anniversary next month. She survives in Chesterton.

Mr. Rondinelli is also survived by children, Anthony Rondinelli, Jr. of Hobart, Margaret Ann (William) Tittle of Chesterton, Thomas (Jane) Rondinelli of LaPorte, and Rick (DeAnna) Rondinelli, of Chesterton; sister, Carmella Bilotta of Brooklyn, N.Y.; grandchildren, Bill Tittle, Jr., Molly Perez, Cinda Rondinelli, Greta Rondinelli, Jennifer Sebring, Kari Mender, Lara Hamilton, Brittni Rondinelli, Anthony Thomas Rondinelli, and Rhett Rondinelli; and great-grandchildren, Matthew, Erin, and Max Mender, Nicholas and Olivia Perez, and Luke Sebring.

He was also preceded in death by eight brothers, two of whom lived in the United States, Frank and Charles, and one sister who died in his arms in Italy.

Mr. Rondinelli came to the United States when he was 14 years old and later became a U.S. citizen. Tony was a tailor for 69 years and owned Tony’s Tailor Shop in Gary.

Funeral services, Pastor Rod Huber officiating, will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17, in the Edmonds & Evans Funeral Home, 517 Broadway, Chesterton. Interment will follow in Angelcrest Cemetery in Valparaiso.

Family and friends will gather on Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. in the funeral home. On-line condolences may be left at www.EE-FH.com

Posted 9/15/2008