Antonio Esposito

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Memorial Visitation -

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

4 - 6 pm

Stockbridge Funeral Home

141 Epping Road

Exeter, New Hampshire 03833

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S H A R E

Antonio Esposito

Stratham – Antonio (Tony) Esposito, age 95, died peacefully at home on the morning of June 5, 2016. His loving wife, daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren were all by his side.

Tony was born March 7, 1921 in Portland, Maine to Giuseppe Esposito and Teresa (Russo) Esposito, first generation immigrants. Tony was one of eleven children and the oldest of “The Brothers.” Being raised during the Depression framed much of his life. He told stories of the boys walking train tracks to gather dropped coal for heat and raiding local apple orchards when food was scarce. His father worked long hours as a fisherman to support his family, while his mother, the nurturer, instilled a strong sense of family in the children.

Tony disliked school and dropped out several times. He enlisted in the US Navy to serve in World War II. He left behind his sweetheart, Rose, and spent the next few years on a PT Boat in the South Pacific. Upon returning from the war, Tony worked as a delivery driver for Coca-Cola while Rose honored her parents’ wishes and completed college before they married in 1946. Tony was encouraged, gently, but relentlessly, by his father-in-law to go to college on the GI bill. Tony ultimately earned a B.S. in electrical engineering from the University of Maine and worked for many years as an engineer and senior quality control manager for first General Electric and then Raytheon.

In 1968, Tony and Rose took a leap of faith and opened their first Radio Shack franchise store. They built a successful family business including nine stores in three states. During these years, Tony also served on the board of several non-profit organizations and was an active member and president of both the Navy League and Lions Club.

Tony and Rose enjoyed many years of travelling together, sometimes alone and often with friends and family. His favorite adventures were to trip to Machu Picchu, a cross country road trip with dear friends and a huge family vacation to Disney with his great grandchildren.

Tony was a quiet, private and proud man. He was also humble and known for extreme generosity. He loved deeply, so deeply it was difficult for him to express. Tony was a kind person who truly cared about others and would help anyone who needed it. Above all, he treasured his family. His silence sometimes instilled fear, but those closest to him knew that the larger one’s mistake, the more capacity he had to forgive.

Tony is survived by his brothers, Neil and John Esposito. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 70 years, Rose, daughter Teresa Holt and her husband, Bill, granddaughter Rochelle Jewell and her husband, Brandon, grandson Tony Holt and his wife, Marie. Also surviving are his great grandchildren: Sarah (and husband, Shawn Thibodeau), Ryan Jewell, Ethan Jones, Morgan Jones and Joshua Holt. Tony was also blessed with a great-great-grandson, Gavin Antonio Thibodeau.

Memorial visitation will be held Wednesday, June 15, 2016 from 4-6 PM at the Stockbridge Funeral Home, 141 Epping Road, Exeter. Prayers and tribute at 6 pm. Refreshments will be provided. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his name to Rockingham VNA and Hospice, an organization which provided compassion and strength to Tony and his family in the final days of his life. RVNA & Hospice 137 Epping Road Exeter, NH 03833 or by phone (603) 772-2981.