Obituary of Anthony J. Massaro

Anthony J. Massaro – also known as Tony Massaro, was born August 8, 1927. He passed away on January 22, 2020. He was 92 years old at the time of his passing. He lived a full and active life. He was a man of action and lived life under his own terms. This was demonstrated early on in life when he had to obtain his father’s written permission in order to serve in World War II and enlist in the Merchant Marine at age 17. During his service he rose to be a communications officer with the rank of Ensign. He served in both World War II and the Korean War. During war time, merchant vessels were armed and he served with the U.S. Navy Armed Guard during this period. Anthony traveled the world while serving his country. His independent spirit continued through the course of his life when he left the company he worked for in the field of non-destructive testing to open his own competitive firm. He established A.J. Testing Laboratories, Inc. which was located close to the Brooklyn Navy Yard. His maritime experience served him well as he developed a specialty with work on merchant and Navy vessels. His company performed non-destructive testing services in the field of x-ray, gamma ray, ultra-sonics, magnetic particle and liquid penetrants. His work expanded beyond shipping to include work for NASA as well as laboratory and field services on bridges, buildings and power plants. Working with radioactive materials was dangerous work for Anthony and his crew, but once again, he thrived in a dangerous field. Anthony was born in Garfield, New Jersey but he moved to Brooklyn at an early age. He was the only son of Italian immigrants, Frank Massaro and Josephine Massaro (Galuzzo). He had two younger sisters, Rose and Theresa, who both predeceased him. Anthony was a long-time resident of Freeport, New York where he was an active boater and fisherman. He fished offshore with his son Frank until he, Anthony, was 85 years old. He loved the sea. He was active in the Baldwin American Legion Post 246 and the Baldwin VFW Post 1434 where he served on multiple occasions as “Commander” for both organizations. He was also a 4th Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus in Oceanside. Anthony is survived by a loving family including his son Frank Massaro and his wife Lynn; his daughter Joanne Fannin and her husband Tony; his grandson Christopher Fannin and his wife Diana; and his beautiful great granddaughter Juliette (daughter of Christopher and Diana). Anthony was married only once, to Lucy Massaro, who predeceased him. Although they were divorced, they had two children who they loved from the beginning until the end of their lives. A Mass of Christian burial will be held 9:45 am on Saturday, January 25th at St Anthony's RC Church, 110 Anchor Ave, Oceanside, NY. Entombment will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Brooklyn on Saturday, January 25th at 11:30 am. Calling hours will be Friday, January 24th from 2-4 & 7-9 PM at Towers Funeral Home Inc., 2681 Long Beach Rd, Oceanside, NY.