Obituary of Tony Formato

Tony Formato, age 78, of Shelton, beloved husband of Linda Amodio Formato, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving family. Born on June 16, 1946 in Ariano Irpino, Italy, he was a son of the late Giuseppe Formato and Antonia Di Gruttolo Formato. 

Tony immigrated to the United States in 1956, living in Bridgeport for many years before retiring in Shelton. He was a proud 50-year member of Teamsters Local 191, working at various trucking companies, retiring from ABF Freight Systems after 20 years of service.  

While in Bridgeport, Tony was very active in the North End Little League, Christian Brotherhood League, and Monroe PAL. He came out of retirement to assist in coaching for Black Rock Little League and Oxford Bullets. He assisted in many capacities and loved coaching his son’s and grandchildren’s teams. Very proud of his Italian heritage, Tony passed on many traditions to his family including gardening, raising figs, and Sunday dinners. Whenever you would visit him, he took great pride in showing his garden and fig trees; if you were lucky enough, he would give you a tree to cultivate and grow. 

Above all things in life, family came first. He was a hard-working man and provided only the best for his family. Tony was happiest when his grandchildren were by his side. He was at every game, performance, and award ceremony for every single grandchild. He was a loving and dedicated husband, father and grandfather. The unconditional love he gave and the values he taught will forever live in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. Tony will be deeply missed. 

In addition to his beloved wife of 57 years, Linda, survivors include his three loving sons, Joseph Formato and his wife Michelle, Michael Formato and his wife Cynthia and Anthony Formato and his wife Maggie; his seven cherished grandchildren, Alisa, AJ, Stella, Mia, Max, Scarlett, and Leo; his brother, Joseph Formato and his wife Mary Lou, his two sisters, Filomena Cuoco and Anna Alcaraz and her husband Michael, his sister-in-law, Patricia Formato; as well as several nieces, nephews and family members in Italy. He was predeceased by his brother, Angelo Formato and his brother-in-law, Lorenzo Cuoco. 

Friends and family are invited to a celebration of Tony’s life, which will take place on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. in Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull. Family remembrances will take place at 6:30 p.m. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Teamsters JC 10 New England Scholarship Fund at teamstersjointcouncil10.com. To leave an online condolence please visit www.abriola.com.