Anthony J. Crifasi

Anthony J. Crifasi, 89, of Springfield died at 10:09 am, Tuesday, April 12, 2011 at St. John’s Hospice. He was born January 16, 1922 in Springfield, IL the son of Anthony and Rose DiGiovanni Crifasi. He married Mary A. Sodaro July 7, 1946, and she survives. Mr. Crifasi was a member of the United States Army serving during World War II where he was a member of the 27 Cav Regt 43. He was captured at the Battle of the Bulge and held as a POW. He received the American Defense Service Ribbon, good conduct medal, Service Ribbon, American Theatre Ribbon, European-African-Middle Eastern Theatre Ribbon, 2 bronze battle stars, and 5 overseas service bars and 1 service bar. He was an avid golfer, bowler, and loved fishing and hunting. He was employed at Pillsbury Mill for 38 years, retiring in 1984.
Survivors include two daughters, Roseann Painter and Laura Crifasi both of Springfield; one son, Michael (wife Rita) Crifasi of Springfield; two grandchildren, Jennifer (husband Michael) Preston and Jared (wife Tiffany) Crifasi both of Springfield; three great-grandchildren, Leif Anthony Preston, Roman Marcus Preston, and Taylor Ann Crifasi; two sisters, Marie (husband Alfonso) Greco of Springfield, and Laura DiMaria of California.
Mr. Crifasi was preceded in death by his parents, step-father, Charles Ribisi, two grandsons, Mark Lewis and Nicholas Crifasi, son-in-law, Fred Painter, three brothers, Steve, Leo and Frank Crifasi, and two sisters, Rose Buckhold, and Mary Wilhite.
Visitation: 11 am – 1:30 pm, Saturday, April 16, at Staab Funeral Home.
Funeral Service: 1:30 pm, Saturday, April 16, Staab Funeral Home with Chaplain Marty Nagel officiating.
Entombment will be at Oak Ridge Chapel Mausoleum where military honors will be conducted.
Memorials may be made to United Cerebral Palsy or Charity of Donor’s Choice.