Anthony Minotti

Anthony L. Minotti Age 87, passed away on Saturday March 6, 2010, surrounded by his loving family at St. Joseph's Hospital. Tony was born in Elmira, NY, on July 24, 1922, son to the late Louis and Rosina (Carboni) Minotti. Tony was predeceased by his son, Anthony Gerard Minotti; sisters, Margaret M. Minotti; Cecilia (Minotti) DiLallo, and brother-in-law, John DiLallo; Angeline (Minotti) Lisano and brother-in-law, Richard Lisano; brothers, Serafino J. Minotti and sister-in-law, Serafina M. Minotti; and Francis J. Minotti; nephews Thomas Minotti and Carl Minotti and great nephew Mark Minotti. He is survived by his wife, Margaret C. Minotti; children, Dr. Thomas A. (Kathleen) Minotti, Raymond A. (Diana) Minotti, and Mary M. (Dana) Bunnell; grandchildren, Matthew and Ryan Minotti, Lisa and Mark Minotti, and Stefanie and Juliana Bunnell; sister-in-law, Helen Minotti; many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Following a lifetime passion to play baseball, Tony became the catcher for the Elmira Pioneers, in August of 1941. Hopes for a major league career were suddenly put on hold when he received his draft notice to go into World War II after the first full season on the Pioneers. Tony was happy to play exhibition baseball with other major leaguers entertaining the troops throughout Europe before becoming disabled during military preparations for the Invasion of Normandy. In 1946 after having returned home from the war, Tony continued to receive invitations to try out for other baseball organizations. Even the Brooklyn Dodger's invited him to try out for a position in their minor league organization. Unfortunately, his war injuries prevented him from realizing any future career in baseball. Later in life, his love for the outdoors, photography, model trains, gardening, and reading, were only surpassed by his love of his family. He suffered from late stage Alzheimer's for the last several years of his life, but always maintained his wonderful sense of humor. Family and friends are invited to call at the McInerny Funeral Home, corner of Water and Walnut Sts., on Sunday, March 7, 2010 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A prayer service will be held at the funeral home on Monday, March 8, 2010 at 9:15 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, Elmira. Military honors will follow at St. Peter's and Paul's Cemetery. Those wishing to make a donation in Tony's honor can do so to St. Mary's Church.