Antonio Ammendola

1936 ∼ 2020

Antonio “Tony” Ammendola, 83, of Kenosha, passed away after a short illness on Tuesday, March 10, 2020, at Froedtert Pleasant Prairie, surrounded by his loving family. Born on September 4, 1936, in Decollatura, Province of Catanzaro, Italy; he was the son of the late Vincent and Marietta (Perri) Ammendola. He immigrated to the United States of America in 1955. He lived in Sault Ste Marie, MI before moving to Kenosha in 1956 to work at Vincent McCall. On October 27, 1962, he married Jean Pavlik at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. In 1963, he began working at J. I. Case. He was employed there for 29 years, until his retirement in 1992. He was an active and proud member of UAW Local 180. Tony loved being with his entire family and enjoyed being with his wife Jean of 57 years. Tony’s passion in life was collecting cars and he culminated when he acquired his dream car, a 1959 Edsel. He was an active member of the Kenosha Car Club and Vintage Car Club and was a regular attendant of every local car show, winning numerous awards and trophies for his pride and joy. He loved maintaining his prize and loved to converse with anyone who showed interest in his Edsel. Tony was loved by everyone. Anyone who met Tony was struck by his genuine and kind nature. He was a caring individual who helped anyone in need, or just wanted to talk. He was a good neighbor, friend, union member, car enthusiast, and above all, a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He will be greatly missed by all. Tony is survived by his wife, Jean Ammendola; two children, Vincent (Barb Weiher) Ammendola and Christine (John) Thomsen all of Kenosha; two grandchildren, Kara and Laura Thomsen; two brothers, Rosabino (Karen) Ammendola and Carmine (Debbie) Bonacci; sister, Anna (Donald) Slater; and step-brother, Americo Bonacci. He is further survived by many other loving family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vincent Ammendola and Marietta Bonacci; his stepfather, Carmine Bonacci; and numerous stepsiblings. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. L. Montemurro, Dr. P. Shaw, their staff, and the staff of Froedtert Pleasant Prairie, especially Carl from the ICU, for their wonderful and compassionate care. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 17, 2020 at Proko Funeral Home from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 12:00 p.m. Entombment will follow at All Saints Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Wounded Warriors Fundraiser Car Show (checks may be made out to SWAAC and mailed to Nick Pulera, 7527 19th Avenue, Kenosha, WI 53143) or a charity of your choice in Tony’s name, would be appreciated by the family. Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111 60th St. 262 654 3533Visit & Sign Tony’s Online Memorial Book At:www.prokofuneralhome.com

Condolences

MaryAnn Roiniotis March 15, 2020
Jim and I send our heartfelt condolences to the entire Ammendola Family. Tony always brought a smile to my face whenever I saw him, whether it was when I was very little and visited the Ammendola home with my family and played, or the many, many times I saw him over the years, at parties or around Kenosha. I will always remember him as one of the kindest men I have met. We are deeply sorry for your loss. Jim and MaryAnn (Fonte) Roiniotis
Sylvia March 15, 2020
Jean, Vince, Chris and the entire family...my most heartfelt sympathies to you all. Tony was one of our "dads" growing up. So many wonderful memories of our families spending time together. I always loved to listen to Tony tell stories and especially show off his cars. His face just lit up. It surely was the foundation for my fondness for those "good 'ol cars". My heart grieves with yours. Sending much love. Sylvia Fonte McGreal
Gloria Kazmierski March 15, 2020
Will miss seeing Tony working in his garage. He was so nice to my grandchildren and always had a treat for my dog. We will miss you Tony. Frank & Gloria Kazmierski
Krista Schmidt March 13, 2020
Thanks for helping to find me when I went on a big wheels adventure when I was little. Thanks for gives my kids cookies when they were small and a stroller to play with. Thanks for being the bright spot in my day at work.
Jim 'DOC' Poplawski March 13, 2020
Deepest Sympathy on your loss. It was always a pleasure working with and talking to Tony after he retired.Jim 'DOC' Poplawski, Chairman, UAW Local 180 Retirees