Anthony Anello, 97, of Kansas City, Missouri passed away on Friday, December 30 ^th , in Viaticum in his home with his family by his side. Services will be held on Friday, January 6 ^th at St Thomas More Catholic Church. Rosary will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by the Visitation at 10:00 a.m. and Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Christian burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Anthony was born May 18 ^th , 1925, to Mary and Louis Anello in Kansas City, Missouri. He was baptized at Holy Rosary Catholic Church and his Godfather was Dr. Anthony Saladino.  First Holy Communion and Confirmation would come later and on the same day with Bishop Lillis.  He grew up in a close-knit family with his younger brother Batista, grandparents and many uncles, aunts, and cousins. He had numerous stories of family gatherings that always included a good meal or an adventure. Anthony's family was in the grocery business and he spent much of his youth helping his parents at the store.

On August 15, 1943, Anthony left Northeast High School and joined the Army Air Force and eventually served in Northern Italy during the Po Valley Campaign.  One of his most memorable experiences during that time was when he was able to have a personal audience with Pope Pius the XII on not one, but two occasions. Those visits left a lasting impression on him and he shared those experiences often with his children and grandchildren. Anthony was on his way to Japan when the war ended and his ship was the first back to the United States.

After returning from the war in 1946, he saw an old classmate at a church carnival. As she walked down the steps, he proclaimed to himself that this would be the women that he would marry. He would share this story throughout his life, always declaring that it was love at first sight.  Ann Marie Giocando became his wife on October 15, 1946. She was the love of his life and was a wonderful wife and mother. He cherished every moment that they spent together, sharing a beautiful and loving life. Ann became ill in midlife and Anthony became her constant caregiver until her death in 1999. He was a devoted husband and the care that he provided was a testament of his love, as it was delivered with a smile and constant joy. Anthony always said he lived his vows.

They had six children and Anthony took his job as a father very seriously. They are truly his legacy. He always told his children that he was not there to be their friend, but rather to make sure that they were good people. Although he was proud of his children's accomplishments, he never wanted anyone to get a "big head." If anyone complimented his children, Anthony would say all the credit goes to his wife.  He would remind them throughout the years that God should be primary in their lives.

Anthony opened his own grocery store, Anello's Market, at 28 ^th and Holmes early in his marriage.  At some point in their lives, all six of his children worked with him at the store and his oldest son Louis eventually became his partner. Over 40 years were spent in the grocery business where he enjoyed his work and cherished the relationships that he developed with his many fine customers. He helped many people through the years, making sure that if someone came to him hungry, but empty handed, they left with something for them and their family. He was extremely generous, but never thought of himself that way.

No one can describe Anthony without talking about his faith as he was truly a "faithful servant" who lived his faith as an example to all that knew him. He knew that he loved God at a very young age. Anthony raised his family at St. Francis Church, St. Therese Little Flower and then, St. Thomas More, where he remained an active parishioner until his early 90's. He was a daily communicant and spent time working with the Cursillo, was a lector and lay minister for many years.   After his wife passed, Anthony was a lay minister at Saint Luke's Medical Center, providing communion to the sick until he retired from that position at 88 years old.   He spoke often about what an honor it was to be a part of that service. All that knew him were aware that prayer was important and constant in his life. As he aged and his memory became challenged, the prayers only multiplied. Anthony was thankful for Gods grace and goodness for the life that was given to him. He was thankful for his wife, children, their spouses, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. As he reminisced only days before his death, he talked about what a wonderful life he had and how blessed he had been.

Anthony's children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will remember him for the wonderful Sunday gatherings at his home. No one can even estimate the pounds of pasta and meatballs that he cooked for them through the years, the lively and loud conversations around the table, trips to his lake house, the laughter, his smile, his devotion to his wife, the faith that he exuded and his true love for life.

Anthony was preceded in his death by his wife, Ann Anello; brother Batista Anello; sons-in-law Jacob Markel and Rod Ridinger; and daughter-in-Law Jean Anello.

He leaves behind his children Mary Ann Markel, Anita Delaney, Rose Ann Ridinger, Louis Anello, Nazio Anello (Julie), Joseph Anello (Janell); 16 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren; his sister-in-law Claudine Anello; and many nieces and nephews.

Donations may be made in Anthony's name to St. Thomas More Parish or a charity close to your heart.

The family would like to thank the caregivers that provided care and compassion to him on a 24-hour basis for the last four months so that Anthony could remain in his own home. Much gratitude to Gemini, Janette, Jennifer, Lisa, Milet and Verna.

Condolences may be offered at www.passantinobros.com