Anthony James Gabriella Jr.

Tony was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on January 6, 1937, the son of Anthony James Gabriella, Sr., an Italian American, and Grace Gabriella (née, Palermo), who immigrated to the United States from Italy as a child. Because his father had died when Tony was young, he grew up in an orphanage.

Dropping out of high school, he became a butcher. After serving in the armed forces, he opened Gabriella’s Butcher Boy, a successful butcher shop in Blackwood, New Jersey, where he reared his family. Tony also established and ran Maggio’s, a deli and convenience store in Wildwood, NJ, during the summer vacation season. In 1992, Tony retired to Valrico, Florida with his wife Maria (née Pizzi) of 58 years.

Anthony is survived by his wife Marie and children Anthony III, Michael, Joseph and Joann (Hansen); his son-in-law, Michael Hansen, and grandchildren Michael, Jr., Gabriella, and Mattia Hansen; and Gina and Antonia Gabriella. The viewing will take place Wednesday, January 23 from 6 PM to 8 PM at Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 2323 W. Brandon Boulevard, Brandon, FL, and the Funeral at 10 AM Thursday, January 24, at the same venue. The burial will follow immediately after the funeral at First Baptist Church of Dover 3223 Gallagher Rd., Dover, FL 33527 (813) 719-2273.

The Gabriella family would like to thank all friends and family for their expressions of loving support.