Obituary of Anthony Joseph Ciriello

Anthony “Tony” Joseph Ciriello

It is with a broken heart that we announce the passing of Tony Ciriello, 78 on Saturday, March 2nd after a short battle with cancer.  He was born in Portland, Maine in 1945 to Antonio and Sarah Ciriello.

Tony was passionate about everything he did in life.  He met his soul-mate, Jill, while working at WH Nichols together.  The offer of a simple stick of gum, developing into a more than 50-year marriage filled with love and amazing friends and family.

Tony loved to spend weekends working around the house. He spent years working on hobbies, including antique cars and renovating his house. He was always ready to help friends with projects, and argue to the bitter end on the best way to complete them.  He enjoyed coffee and trips to the Flea market.  Tony could fix just about anything.  If he didn’t know how something worked, he learned….or built his own tool to fix it. 

Tony has three children,  Rosemarie Ciriello, Tony Ciriello, and Cara MacVane whom he loves.  While he may have searched for the right words at times, he was a man of action when needed.  He was there for advice,  a helping hand, and always a joke to lighten the mood.  Whether he was fixing a broken down car, or staging an ice storm rescue a state away, he was always just a phone call away. 

In the later years, he enjoyed building things for his Grandsons, Jack and Eli.  He built a Thomas the Train, from an old lawn mower and spare parts to drive them around at birthday parties, and even a parade.  They spent time restoring old tractors together, learning about engines and driving them all around the yard. They shared a love of Karate and keep their belts hanging up together.  Tony was a prankster, something he shared intensely with his grandsons.

Tony and Jill loved to entertain and be at home.  Whether having the guys over to play pool, or hosting a party outside, he always looked forward to times together. He felt very loved by all his friends. They enjoyed camping and the new people they met while travelling.  Tony was always up for a road trip, for vacation, or even just a little antiquing. He was a collector of a little bit of everything.

Tony was a caring man with an amazing sense of humor and drive to help others.  He will be greatly missed by all. He is survived by his wife Jill of 50 years, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and a huge extended family and friends. 

There will be a celebration of his life at his most favorite place, his house, on Saturday, March 23rd.  It will be an open house from 1pm to 4pm. Please stop by and share a drink and story with each other.

Memories and condolences may be shared on his tribute wall.