HORNELL – Anthony Joseph “Tony” Roselli, 87, of County Route 66, passed away early Sunday afternoon (May 18, 2025 at the Bath V.A. Medical Center, after a long illness.
Born in Hornell on March 20, 1938 he was a son of the late Anthony F. “Cappy” Roselli and Virginia (Dean) Roselli. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by two brothers, Francis K. “Thumper” Roselli, William “Billy” Roselli; one sister, Joann Hebenstreit; as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins, and one niece, Jill Roselli.
A lifelong resident of Hornell, Tony was a graduate of Hornell High School, class of 1956. He proudly served his country with the U.S. Marine Corps from 1956 to his honorable discharge as a Corporal in 1958 and was a recipient of the Good Conduct Medal. He continued serving with the Reserves until 1962.
For many years he was employed by the Laborers Local Union #1358 in Elmira. After “retiring” he was employed for five years as a janitor for the Hornell City School District where he enjoyed conversations with the teachers. Throughout his life he also assisted his parents in the operation of the family business, the former Ponce de Leon Restaurant in Hornell.
A communicant of St. Ann’s Church of Our Lady of the Valley Parish in Hornell, Tony was an active member of the Hornell Association, a former member of the Arthur H. Cunningham American Legion Post No. 440 and was an avid NY Yankees fan.
He was a daily visitor to Off Track Betting (OTB) in Hornell and liked going out to lunch. Tony was a proud owner of a John Deere riding lawn mower and could often be seen, on a regular basis, mowing his lawn to perfection. He also enjoyed attending dog shows with his wife, Mary.
Tony is lovingly survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary R. (Donovan) Roselli who he married in Hornell on Dec. 2, 1961; two daughters, Yvonne (George) Marks of Friendship, NY and Lisa (Rick) Remchuk of Hornell; one granddaughter, Heather (Jarrod) Saxton of Newburgh, MD; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Calling hours are 3-5 p.m. THURSDAY (MAY 22, 2025) at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell where a funeral service will take place at 10 a.m. FRIDAY (MAY 23, 2025), with Fr. Stan Kacprzak officiating. Private committal prayers and interment, with full military honors, will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Fremont.
The United States flag and the Marine Corps flag will proudly fly at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home in recognition of Tony’s military service.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to the Hornell Area Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home.
The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home is honored to assist Tony’s family with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances of Tony are welcome at www.bishopdesanto.com or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.
