Marlborough – Antonio A. “Tony” Birri, 93, of Marlborough, died Monday, Feb. 29, 2016 at UMass Memorial Medical Center, Worcester. Born in the family home in Marlborough, he was the son of the late Celestino G. and Elvira (Regoli) Birri and the husband of Peggy (Arsenault) Birri of Marlborough.
A graduate of Marlborough High School, Tony joined the U.S. Army in 1942. He served with the 30th Infantry Division Association Old Hickory and was a life member of the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge, as well as the 30th Infantry Division Association Old Hickory; the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 929; and the American Legion, Marlborough Post 0132. His service was a source of pride to him throughout his life.
A member of Local 609, he was employed as a laborer for various construction companies, including the Perini Corporation of Framingham, retiring in 1990. He had a strong work ethic which enabled him to provide for his family, giving him much satisfaction.
A talented artist, he attended art school and had a strong interest in construction and the study of buildings. A trumpet player with the Italian-American Band, he was pleased to have played at Ward Park in Marlborough during the visit of President Roosevelt. He loved having his grandchildren around him and never tired of relating numerous stories of his life.
Besides his wife, he is survived by his sons, Michael and his wife Christine of Northborough, Charlie and his wife Conni of Westerville, Ohio, and Raymond of Marlborough; his sisters, Louise Carbone of Marlborough and Marion Butland of Hudson; his sister-in-law, Joyce Birri of Northborough; his grandchildren, David A. Birri, Jessica Parker, Jason M. Birri, Maegan Coffin, Sammi R. Birri and Tony H. Birri, Cody L. Birri, Alexander R. Birri, and Shelby N. Birri; his great-grandchildren, Gianna Birri, Victoria MacKay, Orion Coffin, and Stanley Birri; and many nieces and nephews.
He was the father of the late David A. Birri, who died in 1954, and Steven A. Birri, who died in 2014, and the brother of the late Charles Birri and Elena Seymour.
Visiting hours will be held Thursday, March 3, from 4-7 p.m., at the Slattery Funeral Home, 40 Pleasant St., Marlborough. A funeral service will be celebrated Friday, March 4, at 11 a.m., at the funeral home. Burial will be held at a later date.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Boys Town, 200 Flanagan Blvd., PO Box 6000, Boys Town, NE, 68010-9988 (www.boystown.org).
