This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.

Anthony A. Cangiano

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Anthony A. “Tony” Cangiano, 67, of East Haven, on Oct. 4, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend of many. Anthony was born in 1956 in New Haven to the late Marie (DeLandra) and Andrew Cangiano and spent his childhood in the Morgan Point neighborhood of East Haven, which he returned to later in life.

In 1979, he married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Debbie (Chapin) Cangiano, to whom he remained steadfastly devoted. Their 50 years together were spent in a true partnership full of love, support, and dedication to one another that served as an important foundation for their family. At age 28, he built their first house in North Branford, where they enjoyed raising their children and being part of the community.

He enjoyed playing baseball, watersports, and riding dirt bikes in his youth. While bringing up their family, he enjoyed coaching Little League, watersports, and spending time with his family at their vacation home in the Isle of Palms, South Carolina. Ultimately, he built his dream home back in his old neighborhood in Morgan Point, a place he felt a special connection to since his youth. Here, he enjoyed relaxing on his porch with cool breezes and views of Long Island Sound, watching the Yankees, hosting family get-togethers, experimenting with the latest recipe from his smoker, and playing with his grandchildren most of all.

Tony began his career as a lab technician at Miles Laboratories in West Haven and ultimately retired as director of procurement at Bayer Healthcare. As a director, he was responsible for the West Haven site, but he was also involved in many other US and global Bayer commercial activities for which he received special recognition. Despite his business achievements, he found the greatest satisfaction in leading and guiding others, and he was happiest to see the accomplishments and success of those who worked with him and for him throughout his career.

Once retired, he served as a constant companion and chauffeur to his realtor wife and a “substitute dad” for many of her clients, many of whom remarked that he felt like family to them. He was the ultimate do-it-yourselfer, a straight shooter, and a dedicated problem solver. As a man of many talents, Tony prided himself on his usefulness and service to others. He was an eager teacher of anyone who was willing to learn. For many, he was the first call in times of trouble. He was always there with suggestions and advice (even if you didn’t want it), and in the end, it turned out he was usually right (we can admit that now).

In December 2020, he was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, and he chose to fight so that he could spend as much time as possible with the people that mattered most to him: his family. His legacy lives on in the memories and personalities of his children and grandchildren, many of whom inherited his stubbornness but also his kind and generous heart. Although we wish we had more time with him, the 67 years he spent forging relationships, building others up, and caring for those he loved was indeed a lifetime greater than most are afforded.

He is survived by his wife, Debbie Cangiano; son, Anthony (Melissa) Cangiano; and daughter, Stephanie (Kevin) Cangiano-Barry; grandchildren: Caelan Barry, Rowan Barry, and Anthony Cangiano III; sister, Sue (Nick) Scalia; nephew, Nick (Jackie) Scalia; and grandniece, Genevieve Scalia; as well as other cherished family members.

At his request, there will be no public services. Instead, a Celebration of his Life will take place next spring. The family would like to thank all of Dr. Stacey Stein’s Group and the wonderful nurses and staff at Smilow Cancer Hospital in North Haven for their outstanding care for the past three years. Thank you also to the staff at Connecticut Hospice in Branford for the care and compassion in the most difficult time. You are our HEROES. Anyone wishing to pay respects may make a contribution in his name to Connecticut Hospice of Branford (www.hospice.com) or Yale Cancer Center, www.yalecancercenter.org/gifts.