He was preceded in death by his parents: Sam and Lena Wagliardo Degelia; four brothers: John, Jack, Luke, and Jasper and one sister: Mary Lena Marino.
He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Geraldine and six sons- Joe & wife Karen; Gerald & wife Celia; Pat & wife Laura; David & wife Elizabeth; Paul & wife Storey; and Tom & wife Sarah. He is also survived by 6 grandsons, 9 granddaughters, 3 great-granddaughters, 1 great-grandson and numerous nieces and nephews.
A life-long Catholic, Tony was born October 15, 1928, in Bryan, Texas, to a farming family of Sicilian heritage. He moved with his family to Dallas in 1941 where his family opened up their first grocery store. In Dallas, he worked in the grocery business, first with his father and later with his sons. It was in the family owned grocery business that he first began making his Italian sausage, developing the recipe with his father. He later began working for Al's Food Store, where he perfected the recipe. After his retirement from the grocery business; he continued presiding over the sausage making in an annual event with his sons which now include their wives and children. Never losing his love of the country Tony was most happy when he was spending time with his sons and working on his beloved farm in Kaufman.
Pallbearers will be his six grandsons: Michael, Benjamin, John Robert, James, Sam, and Tony.
Donations- American Lung Association
Recitation of the Rosary 7:00 pm Thursday, August 9, 2012 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. The Funeral Mass is scheduled for 10:00 am, Friday, August 10, 2012 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 9643 Ferndale at Walnut Hill Lane, Dallas, Texas 75238. Rev. Josef Vollmer-Konig, Celebrant. Interment Calvary Hill Cemetery.
Arrangements entrusted to Sparkman/Crane Funeral Home
10501 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218
214-327-8291