Obituary: Anthony "Tony" "Zing Lee" Tartamella - Class of 1934

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Anthony "Tony" "Zing Lee" Tartamella, age 85, died on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2002. He was born in "The Bush" on Nov. 29, 1916, the son of Salvatore and Maria (Bonfilio) Tartamella. Tony graduated from Madison Central High School in 1934. He was stationed in India while serving in the U.S. Army during World War II. Tony graduated from UW-Madison in 1949, earning a B.A. in social work. He was a 26-year employee of Dane County Human services, retiring in February 1979. Tony was a member of the Eagles Club, the Moose Lodge and the Greig Club. He enjoyed playing cards, watching football, socializing with friends and family and traveling, particularly to Florida and Las Vegas. He is survived by his niece and goddaughter, Diane (Maides King Jr.) Tartamella of Madison; a nephew, Sam J. Tartamella of Brooklyn; a great-nephew, Levi Joseph King Tartamella of Madison; his companion of many years, Mary Geier of Madison, and her children and grandchildren, whom Tony adored and treated as family. Tony was preceded in death by two sisters, Rose Tartamella and Anna Grignano; and a brother, Joseph Tartamella. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2002, at ST. PETER'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5001 N. Sherman Avenue, with Father Roger Nilles presiding. Friends may call on the family from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. Entombment will follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Tony's memory and will be disbursed by his family. Tony's family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the staff of HospiceCare for their comfort and support during Tony's last two weeks of life. Tony, we will miss your smile, your humor, and your liveliness. Diane, Sam, Mary and family. What we call the beginning is often the end, and to make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start. Our strength comes from within you, light and energy shine eternally through the soul. Fitch Lawrence Sanfillippo Cress Funeral and Cremation Service (608) 238-8406

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on September 14, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)