It is with heavy hearts that the family of Anthony “Tony D” DelMasto announcing his passing this past June 14 from a brief and unexpected illness, surrounded by family, one day after his 64th birthday. Tony was the youngest of the six DelMasto boys. He was born in 1960 to Louis Sr. and Sophie DelMasto, and he spent his childhood growing up in Housatonic.
Tony was a spectacular athlete and teammate, playing baseball and basketball at Monument Mountain, where he graduated with the class of 1978. He was a devout Red Sox and Giants fan all his life. Tony attended Berkshire Community College for one semester before enlisting in the United States Navy in 1981. He spent 12 years in the U.S. Navy aboard various ships maintaining their nuclear power machinery and protocols before a severe knee injury forced him to be prematurely and honorably discharged. He did have the good fortune to go on three “Med cruises” during his time as a sailor. He spent a number of years stationed at the NAS Oceana Naval Base in Virginia Beach, Va. Tony worked for the Liebert Corporation in Boston for many years, servicing backup battery systems all over New England.
Tony had many friends and acquaintances who valued his kinship immensely. Like most of his brothers, he served as an altar boy at All Saints Church in Housatonic. He had a kind heart and was considered by many to be a compassionate human being throughout his short time with us. He was a beloved son, brother, cousin, uncle, and grandpa (Papa). Tony passed on his skill and knowledge on the baseball field to his grandson Tommy, who took Papa’s advice to heart and developed an exceptional aptitude for the game. The weekend after his passing, young Tommy struck out the side in the last inning of a championship game and dedicated his feat to his grandpa. “I did it for Papa,” he proudly proclaimed. Tony’s grandson Danny prefers to shine in the classroom like his brother, but his fascination with all things galactic will more than likely result in his perfecting time travel. His granddaughter Lilly, will continue to brighten everyone’s day with her wonderful singing and dancing.
Tony leaves his brothers, John (Diane), Louis Jr., Richard (Martha), Larry, and Peter (Thea); his daughter Tiffany Metcalf (Justin); his son Anthony “AJ” (Emily); and his precious grandchildren, Tommy, Danny, and Lilly.
Burial will be in St. Bridget’s Cemetery in Housatonic on Saturday, August 24, at 10 a.m. Tony will receive a military funeral at that time. There will be a reception at the Great Barrington VFW following the ceremony.
