Antonia Giannattasio

Antonia Giannattasio - 1926 – 2026

We lovingly remember and celebrate the life of our beautiful, independent, and fiercely feisty matriarch, Antonia “Toni” Giannattasio, who passed away peacefully at the age of 100. She lived boldly, loved deeply, and lit up every room she entered—often with a delicious home cooked meal and a story to share.

Born in Portland, Maine in 1926, Toni lived life with passion, grace, and grit. She was known for her elegance, wit, and her unshakable strength. Whether dressed to the nines for a dinner party or offering wise (and unfiltered) advice around the kitchen table, she did it her way—with style and heart.

Entertaining was her love language. Her home was the heartbeat of our family life—where traditions were kept, epic parties were held, birthdays became holidays, and laughter echoed late into the night. She made every gathering feel special and every guest feel welcome. We are sure she’s already straightening up heaven and planning the next get-together.

She was the proud anchor of her family, raising generations with love, honesty, and just the right amount of sass. She is survived by her children and their spouses, Michael and Kelly; Richard and Ellen; and Christine and Steven; her grandchildren, Andrea, Sabrina, Richard, Michael, David, Andrew, Joshua, Benjamin, and Rebecca; and her great-grandchildren, Gabriella, Michael J, Beau, Roman, and Michael L. She is also survived by her sisters, Frances Kelly and Joanne Gasparello, and was predeceased by her siblings, Andrew, Marion, Dorothy, and Ann. She was also preceded in death by her amazing husband Mike and their beloved daughter Andrea.

We will forever cherish her strength; her humor, her sparkle, and the way she made life feel full. She was truly one of a kind—and we were so lucky to call her ours. So, gather your loved ones, share a meal, tell a good story, and raise a toast (Baileys or Prosecco) to her remarkable 100 years. Cento anni!

Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated in Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St., Wakefield on Thursday, August 13 at 10am. Interment to follow at Forest Dale Cemetery in Malden. With collation to follow at Rosaria, 190 Main St. 2nd Floor, Saugus.

Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield on Wednesday, August 12 from 4-7pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her name to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. www.stjude.org