Anthony "Tony" Campobasso, 99, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2021. He was entombed at Mount Olivet Mausoleum in Raytown, Missouri following a private family service.

Tony was born March 5, 1922 to Ignazio and Antonia (Navarra) Campobasso in Kansas City's Northeast neighborhood. He grew up in that area, graduating from Northeast High School in 1941.

Tony married Rose Ancona on April 4, 1945. Their 76 years together was a beautiful love story. Throughout their marriage the love, compassion and support they had for each other helped them withstand life's struggles. They enjoyed travel and going out with other couples and had priceless relationships with their "compares" over the years.

Part of the Greatest Generation, Tony served during World War II as a Navy Aviation Mechanic in the South Pacific. During his time in service, he developed friendships that spanned the country and lasted his lifetime. He never lost his great sense of patriotism.

Family was by far the most important thing in Tony's life. His sons John and Chuck, and the two generations that followed, brought Tony his greatest joy. He was filled with pride for both his boys and their accomplishments, but mostly the fathers they became and the families they raised. Tony loved a good toast and speech, and at many family gatherings he would stand as the patriarch in front of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, reminding the group how happy it made him to be able to live to see the fruition of his greatest legacy.

Tony's many careers spanned decades, beginning as a printing pressman, owning and operating restaurants (Geno's and Nino's), salesperson for United Artists' concessions, and, in his late 80's starting a flavored popcorn business. He was always in motion, whether fixing things (in his "special" way!), or creating a unique contraption or work of art. His thirst for knowledge (and wanting to keep up with the latest technology) prompted him to constantly ask questions of the younger generation.

Tony loved big band music, telling stories to a crowd, and being the life of the party -- he never missed a chance to entertain the crowd!

Tony had a strong Catholic faith. He and Rose were founding members of St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church in Gladstone, MO. They served in the parish and attended Mass every Saturday well into their 90s.

Tony was extremely proud of his Italian heritage. He was a longtime member of UNICO's Kansas City chapter, faithfully participating in Festa Italiana for decades.

Tony will be remembered for being a true gentleman who took an interest in everyone he met, put a smile on your face, and lent a hand up with whatever means were at his disposal for someone in need. He instilled an immeasurable amount of integrity, humility and guidance in his family, who will carry on his heritage with pride. Even at 99, he seems gone too soon.

Tony was preceded in death by his parents; brothers and sisters-in-law Ralph ("Joe Biff") Campobasso (Charlotte), Walter Campobasso (JoAnn); sisters and brothers-in-law Antoinette "Lee" Mitchell (Robert), Josephine Girard (Don), and Mary DiLorenzo (Vince). He is survived by his adoring wife Rose; sons and daughters-in-law Dr. John and Betty Lou Campobasso and Chuck and Kathy Campobasso; "7 Grands" and their spouses Rozanne Sutherland (Scott), Suzanne McKelvy (Tony), Chrissy Payne (Matt), Anthony Salvatore Campobasso (Mindy), Anthony John Campobasso (Jenna), Michelle Weeks (Dan), Christina Campobasso; and his pride and joy, his great-grandchildren Joe, Elizabeth and Johnny Witherow, Michael, Maggie and Katie Payne, Christina and Abby McKelvy, John and Vivienne Campobasso and Anthony and Ava Weeks.

Tony's family would like to express appreciation to the nursing staff at North Kansas City Hospital, speech therapist Mackenzie, and doctors Tim Murray, Collin Lovitt and Dennis Drews for their outstanding care.

Tony was a strong supporter of Kansas City's Children's Mercy Hospital. His family asks that if you are so moved, please make a donation there in his memory: 2401 Gillham Road, Kansas City, MO 64108 / www.support.childrensmercy.org / 866-512-2168

Condolences may be offered at www.passantinobros.com