Antoinette Ann Fronzaglio – Pittsburgh, formerly of Carroll Township
Antoinette Ann Fronzaglio, age 105, of Pittsburgh formerly of Carroll Township, known to everyone as “Toni,” returned to her Lord on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023. Toni was born to Italian immigrants, Angelo and Rosa LaBella Triglia, on Aug. 21, 1918, in Clairton. Toni will be remembered for her daily elegant outfits, gentle demeanor, love of family and an unending appetite for new experiences. Toni was born into a large Italian family, a closely-knit group she would love, support and celebrate with during her entire lifetime. She was preceded in death by her sons, Raymond, Ronald and Daniel; beloved partner, Alfred Fronzaglio; and all nine brothers and sisters, Josephine, Mary, Jean, Ann, Joseph, Anthony, Francis, Dominick and Roslyn “Dolly.” She is survived by her daughter, Denise (Jim) Rickenbrode; grandchildren, Ron Jr. (Ursula Egenhofer) Fronzaglio and Vanessa (Logan Taylor) Rickenbrode; and great-grandchildren, Emilia and Lucas Fronzaglio; longtime friend, Bettie Cinello; and many nieces and nephews. During Toni’s 105 years, she served as an Air Raid warden during World War II, a bookkeeper at Marricini grocery store, a salesperson at La-Z-Boy Furniture and held various jobs interacting with people until she was well into her 80s. Toni was artistic and creative. She was president of the Mon Valley Art Club and was often commissioned to paint portraits. She learned to play the organ in her 60s, and loved singing in the St. Philip’s choir and other choruses and enjoyed traveling. She was involved with Sons of Italy, kept a menagerie of plants in her apartment at Baldwin Court Towers and loved animals — fearlessly riding a camel in Morocco and squeezing all pets that came her way. Toni considered herself a tomboy growing up and earned excellent grades in school. She played softball and was known to “shoot hoops” into her 80s. She was a devoted Catholic; when she was unable to get a ride to church, she would walk to the church across the street —even as a 99-year-old. Toni had the grace to overlook people’s faults and shortcomings. She showed us, by her example, the importance of forgiveness and understanding. She embraced people, anyone and everyone, and taught all of us to walk in step with the Lord. In her last four decades, despite not having monetary wealth, Toni lived a rich life. Her wit, sense of humor, and grace attracted people to her. She received amazing care from caregivers at Community Life, Charles Morris, and for the last three years of her life, Concordia Villa Saint Joseph. The aides, staff, and even young boys from food services, sought out Toni for a visit. She was always wheeling down the halls in search of her next new adventure. In doing so, she brought smiles and laughter to the staff. Her purpose in life, which is all of ours, was to bring heaven on Earth to all who crossed her path. Arrangements have been entrusted to ANTHONY L. MASSAFRA FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICE INC., 40 Second St. Ext., Donora, PA 15033, 724-379-6900 where the family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1, 2023. Prayers will be recited in the funeral home at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at St. Andrew the Apostle Parish Donora Campus at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Monongahela Cemetery, Monongahela. To share a condolence please visit www.massafrafuneralhome.com.
