Tony Craparo Sr.'s Obituary
CRAPARO, Tony, Sr., 86, a lifetime resident of Tampa passed away Sunday, April 1, 2007. A veteran of World War II and a member of the Masonic Lodge, a 32nd Degree Mason , Tony is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Mary, his three children, Patty Ortega and her husband Fred, Tony Craparo, Jr. and his wife Elizabeth, Denise Raper, 7 grandchildren, Nichole Fowler, Jimmy Raper, Jr., Freddie Ortega, Pamela Raper, Kevin Ortega, Jayme Raper and Michael Raper, 4 great grandchildren, Colin Fowler, Lia Fowler, Kevin Ortega, Jr. and Brooke Raper. Tony was an Ybor City business owner for more than 50 years at Tip Top Grocery on E. 5th Ave., where the majority of his customers were locals that lived in walking distance of the store and knew him as "Mr. Tony." Tony lived his entire life with a smile on his face and he lived to make others smile and found happiness in the happiness of others. Pallbearers include: Freddie Ortega, Kevin Ortega, Michael Raper, Peter Arcuri, Frank Albano, Jimmy Raper, Jr., Chris Fowler and Marcello Tambuzzo. Honorary pallbearers include: Joe Tambuzzo, John Giacone, Frank Paul Albano, Richard Fidalgo, Joe Fauci Steve Martinez, Troy Osborne and Michael Singleton. Graveside services will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday, Apr. 4, 2007 at Garden of Memories Cemetery, 4730 E. Lake Ave., Tampa, FL. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 PM with recitation of the Catholic Wake rite at 7 PM on Tuesday, Apr. 3, 2007 at Boza & Roel funeral Home, 4730 N .Armenia Ave., Tampa, FL.
What’s your fondest memory of Tony?
What’s a lesson you learned from Tony?
Share a story where Tony's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Tony you’ll never forget.
How did Tony make you smile?