Anthony J. Forcella, 96, of Plainville passed away Sunday, May 30, 2021 at the Hospital of Central Connecticut in New Britain. He was the loving husband to his high school sweetheart, the late Joan (Murphy) Forcella, for 66 years. In addition to his wife, he is predeceased by his son, David.
A proud lifelong resident of Plainville, CT, Anthony was born on March 7, 1925 to the late Orazio and Uliana (DiBerardino) Forcella. Anthony was the youngest of seven children. He had two sisters and four brothers.
Anthony was a veteran of World War II, having served honorably and proudly in the United States Army.
He was a beloved teacher at Plainville High School for over 40 years. His love for sports followed him throughout his life- he was inducted into the PHS Athletics Hall of Fame and coached the Blue Devils baseball, basketball, track & field, and football teams. He was also the recreational director at Norton Park. Tony loved to spend his free time outdoors working in his yard, doing laps in the pool, and hosting family barbeques. He was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox and UConn Huskies girls' basketball, and when he wasn't cheering them on, he enjoyed singing songs with his family.
Anthony leaves behind his son, Dr. Thomas (Karen) Forcella and two daughters, Mary Lou (Robert) Sperry, and Susan (David) Olechna. His grandchildren, Timothy Forcella, Daniel (Samantha) Forcella, John (Brooke) Forcella, Kara (David) Matz, Cody Sperry, Palmer Sperry, Taylor Sperry, Nikki (Ryan) Grassis, Michael (Iza) Olechna, Richard Olechna, David Olechna and Peyton Olechna. His seven great-grandchildren include Katie Grassis, Cameron Grassis, Griffin Forcella, Kelly Forcella, Lucy Matz, Parker Matz, and Millie Matz.
Tony will be lovingly remembered as an incredibly kind and caring husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He made everyone feel special, thanks to his thoughtfulness, stories, and good humor. Tony, known to his family as 'Pa', will be so dearly missed by all.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, June 3 at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 94 Broad St., Plainville. The family will receive visitors prior to Mass from 9:00 - 9:45 AM at the Bailey Funeral Home. Interment with military honors will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Plainville. The family will receive visitors on Wednesday, June 2 from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at the Bailey Funeral Home, 48 Broad St., Plainville. The Bailey Funeral Home of Plainville has been entrusted with the arrangements. To leave a message of remembrance, please visit www.bailey-funeralhome.com.
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