Anthony Antonacci, 1997STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Former Staten Islander Anthony Antonacci Sr., 83, of Safety Harbor, Fla., a retired concrete worker known for his willingness to lend a helping hand, died yesterday in Consulate Health Care of Safety Harbor, where he had resided for three months.
Born in Vinchiaturo, Campobasso, Italy, he came to the U.S. at the age of 5, settling in Egbertville. He relocated to Grasmere in 1964 and moved to Florida in 1981.
As a member of the Cement & Concrete Workers Union Local 20, Mr. Antonacci specialized in high-rise construction. During his 30-year career, he worked on many noteworthy buildings pouring concrete floors, including the United Nations and Rockefeller University Hospital complex.
Whenever he was asked what he did for a living, he would reply that he was "helping to build New York City, one floor at a time."
He retired in 1980 due to injuries he sustained in a construction accident.
However, he was still able to help friends and neighbors with minor home repair projects.
"My dad had the ability to repair, fabricate or build just about anything," said his son, Anthony Jr., "and would jump at the chance to help anyone in need of his expertise."
A graduate of McKee High School, Mr. Antonacci showed exceptional mechanical skill as a teen, developing a technique to repair bent bicycle spokes and rims of friends' bikes, earning him the nickname "Spo," short for "spokes."
In retirement, Mr. Antonacci was a member of the Clearwater, Fla., Italian-American Club, where he often volunteered as a cook for Sunday dinners and picnics.
He also took special delight in his grandchildren, always remembering their birthdays.
Mr. Antonacci was a devoted New York Giants fan. He also enjoyed traveling and going to the beach.
While on Staten Island he attended St. Sylvester's R.C. Church, Concord.
His wife of 36 years, the former Ines Bordi, died in 1987.
He is survived by a son, Anthony Jr.; a daughter, Anna Sciabarra; three grandchildren, and his companion of 23 years, Joann Crino.
Arrangements are being handled by Colonial Funeral Home, New Dorp, with a funeral Tuesday at 11 a.m. in St. Clare's R.C. Church, Great Kills. Burial will be in Moravian Church, New Dorp.