Tony Principe Obituary

Grandpa,

I was 10 years old when you and Grandma welcomed our family into your home to live. Cary and I were blessed to spend so much of our lives with you and Grandma in it every day and every night!!! You have always been there for us no matter what!! You always believed in us, encouraged us, and told us to follow our dreams. You have never let us down!! Cary will never forget the times she took such good care of you and even though you didn't need the help you let her do it anyway.

I will never forget the times we got to sing together sharing in music that we both loved so much!! My fondest memeory will be our last on Christmas. Having the chance to sing our duet "Baby It's Cold Outside," to the family will always remain in my heart. I'm so happy that I taped us singing so I will have it as a treasured memory for always.

We love you Grandpa!!! We will miss you terribly!!!!

LOVE ALWAYS,
CARY AND DINA XOXO

Dad,

I sat in my room last month and remembered all the wonderful things you had done for me in my life. There are so many I could not even begin to list them, except for one. The memory of you always singing to me "Daddy's Little Girl." The last time you sang that song to me was on my wedding day many years ago. If I close my eyes I can still hear you singing it. How I wish I could hear you sing it to me one more time. I love you and miss you.

Love Forever,
Your daughter Carmella

Dina, Cary and Family,

We are sorry to hear about the loss of your grandfather. Our thougts and prayers are with you girls and family.
We love you,
Lis, Dad, Jess, Billy, Ally and Bob

I have fond memories sitting with Mr. Principe at many a family gathering. He always had a wonderful smile and a kind laugh. I enjoyed talking with him and he was always very very nice to me.

My best memory is of last May when we were at Dante and Ezra's birthday party. Mr. Principe and I got to talk quite a bit that day. He had several American flags with him. He gave me two of them. We kept one here at home, and the other I placed at my former student's grave, on Memorial Day. Sean died in Iraq two years ago. I never got to tell Mr. Principe that I did that, but I know he would have liked to have seen his flag at the grave of a very young fallen soldier. I thought there was no greater honor than placing a veteran's flag at Sean's gravesite. I'll never forget the image of Mr. Principe with all his flags that day in May.

I hope Mr. Principe has found peace in Heaven, and may he be singing.

Love,
Anita

Please accept our deepest sympathies.

James & Vannessa Lewis
Phoenix, AZ

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. Our prayers are with you.

From Jessica Santosusso&Family
Mesa,AZ.

I was Tonys neighbor for over 30 years. You couldnt ask for a better one. My condolences to his Family. He will be missed. He used to ask me to help him with his flags, I loved his patriotism & proudly helped him when he asked. And every time he added anything to his 911 shrine he had to show me. Ginny & I will miss him. I added a audio on the other entry, One night about 4 years ago it was a summer night & I heard Tony singing in his garage, It sounded great so I grabed my Video recorder , went into his garage and taped him singing, I only have about 5 minutes but its a great memory of Him. He had a great voice and was proud of it as well he should be. I hope it came out good enough for you to hear him. May God Bless Tony.

My memories of Tony have faded with time but have been renewed with his passing. I remember the two Tonys, my Dad and Tony Principe enjoying each others company at the Country Club building their Castles. How could I forget Tony's enthusiasm in cheering with my Dad for another Tony, my son, on the football field. Over the last few years, Nell, my wife, is well versed on Tony Principes role in our families life.

With this thought still in her mind it inspired the following poem.

Do no distress upon my leaving
I am so happy now, be happy too,
All the years of my external breathing
Of years spent not remembering
Not to know, sometimes ,whom was who

My love will embrace you from afar
Please, no more sadness
Just Look up towards the brightest star
Feel the abundance of happiness

Flowing from my soul to your heart
And remember that you will always be with me
The kingdom of heaven can’t keep us apart
Just keep our memories alive and believe

I am again young and strong
All traces of illness have faded away
I am at last where I belong
Loved ones embracing me upon my way

Son, when you hear a distant sound
It could be the sound of thunder
But then again, it could be me puttering around
With my saw and hammer

Nell Piwowarczyk

"We are Family"

I have so many great memories of Grandpa - but one that I think best describes his character is this. When Cabbage Patch dolls were first coming out, it was insane to get one of them and of course, all the granddaughters wanted to have one. (If you had daughters or wanted one yourself, you know what I am talking about!). He stood in line for hours and hours to be sure that we could all have one. He always sacrificed for us & his family was the most important thing to him.....I definitely can still hear you singing your favorites! I love you and will miss you terribly.

I was very sorry to learn of Mr. Principe’s passing but am filled with smiles about his life and legacy and happy that he is with Mrs. Principe, again. I have many fond memories of Mr. Principe who was always smiling, forever cheerful and often singing. I remember many good times with both Mr. Principe and my Grandfather Piwowarczyk. Together, they were the famous “Two Tonys.” Two of my favorite memories of Mr. Principe are from my childhood. One was over the July 4, 1976 weekend at the Buccaneers Mens Club. I stuffed a D-sized engine in an A-sized Estes rocket and upon launch it promptly disappeared into the clouds. Mr. Principe was the only person who caught a glimpse of it upon reentry. We all walked around, Uncles, Cousins and the Two Tonys, looking for the rocket but we all gave up after fifteen or twenty minutes—except for Mr. Principe. He covered the whole field and sure enough—about an hour later he came back to the clubhouse with the half-disintegrated fuselage. His patience and perseverance that day impressed me. My other favorite memory was when he and my Grandpa came to one of my seventh grade football games. Mr. Principe cheered as loudly as my Grandfather—spectators surely thought both gentlemen were my Grandfathers. Mr. Principe is deeply missed and my heart goes out to all of his family during this difficult time.

There was no one quite as kind as Grandpa. He has done nothing but filled my days with love. I have so many fond memories of him, and if I sit quiet enough, I can hear him singing.
I am so fortunate to have had many years with Grandpa and for him to meet my sons amazed me each time we were together. He will live in my heart forever and I will keep his memory alive for my sons.

Grandpa, give Grandma a kiss for me when you see her, sing to her nightly, and save a spot for me till we meet again.

Lisa

I will always have a fond memory's of Tony at the Buccaners mens club. He never had a bad word to say about anyone

Dear Carmie & John,
I was saddened to hear of your Dad's passing. I have many fond childhood memories of both Tony and Virgie. May they both rest in peace.
Love,
Johnny

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.