OK So this shouldn't be so hard. Nevertheless, this is my fifth try at writing anything. Sometimes when a friend from long ago passes away you journey back to the time when you were close. For me that journey is taking me back some 50 years. Anthony's older brother Vincent and my brother Artie were good friends too at the time. Artie and Vincent would show up at church in their white t shirts with a cigarette pack tied in a knot on their shoulders. Anthony and I would have the greatest time making fun of them. I remember Anthony and I walking all the way from Calvary Assembly to Anthony's house which was quite a hike. I guess Anthony was about 14 at the time. All during that hike Anthony talked about how he wanted to become a musician and how much he wanted to write songs. My family broke up and we moved to New Orleans and lost contact. I'm glad to hear that David Hornbuckle picked up where I left off and it does my heart good to hear that Anthony actually followed his dream. Anthony and his family were a very happy part of my otherwise not so happy childhood. Thanks for the memories and may you rest in peace my friend.

Anthony was a wonderful and kind soul in so many respects. He lived his life in the Words of the Lord God whom he served faithfully. A devoted family man and patriot he loved history and brightened a room with his energy. A true Freemason he put his faith in God and made an impact in his gentle and compassionate manner.

His physical presence may leave us but his memory will live on through us who were touched by him. I was blessed to have him as a cousin and a brother Freemason and my family blessed to have him in our lives.

The Costantino family

Tom, Denise, Vittoria and CJ

Anthony's family was like my family, and, when I was in my late-teens, with nowhere else to turn, they always made sure I was well-fed and had a place to stay. I loved his parents and two sisters. He taught me so much about the things he was passionate about: U.S. history, how electric is generated to power a city, folk and classical music, songwriting, religion, politics, Lincoln, Dickens, Dylan, the Guthries, and Steinbeck. I spent uncountable nights in Greenwich Village listening to him sing and play piano, guitar, and harmonica at Folk City, The Bitter End, and The Village Gate in the 1970s. After his gigs, we ate 4:00 a.m. breakfasts at every place we could find open from the Village to South Ferry station. We drove from New York to Los Angles together in our early 20s, and he never ran out of things to tell me about the United States I didn't know. I’ll never forget how he blew away a snooty LA LA Land Steinway salesman when we walked into the posh showroom and he took a seat behind a polished grand and played “Für Elise” in a way that would have impressed Ludwig himself. Anthony was a great childhood friend, who continued to be so until he shuffled off his mortal coil last week. Requiēscat in pace, my ol’ pal. You were truly a one-of-a-kind, and I’ll never forget you.

We extend our deepest, heartfelt condolences on the home going of Anthony. Our lives have intermingled with the Giarratano family for over 45 years. We have many fond memories that include Grandma Lanza, Josie and Charlie, Vinny, Terry, Louisa and of course, Anthony. We “kids” attended church together as teens and young adults. Anthony reminded me recently of ski trips that we enjoyed. Faith and relationship with Jesus are the cornerstones of our families. We’ve always been thankful that Anthony chose Annie for his bride and for how he provided for her, Brittany and Brendan. We’re especially grateful to the Lord for touching Anthony even in his illness and inspiring him to sing and write music again.

May you all draw comfort from your memories and may the Lord strengthen you and give you peace during this difficult time and in the days ahead. We love you.

Susan and Mike Benintende and family

Dear Annie,

I want to offer my deepest condolences to you together with Brittany and Brendan and the Giarratano family on the passing of Anthony. He will be missed by all of us. May the Lord bless all of you in this time of trial.

All my love always and God bless,

Love,

Dad

Anthony was a wonderful husband to my sister Ann and a caring father to my niece and nephew, Brittany and Brendan. Our family prayed that God would bring a loving husband for our sister, Ann, and he brought Anthony into her life. We have always appreciated the care and love he showed to her and his children. He will be much missed, but know that he has gone to a better place, being now in Heaven with Jesus, where he now waits with all those who have gone before, for us to join him. I am very thankful to the Lord for His mercy and grace, that Anthony is free from all pain and has started his new life that God has promised to all of us who seek Him.

My deepest condolences to the entire family. I have the sweetest memories of waking up to Anthony singing and playing his guitar on the side of the house. Anthony had a heart of gold and may he rest in peace.

Ann and Family,

Tony was a wonderful man, and a Great friend for many years. It is a great loss for any one who knew him he always had such a wonderful smile, and would do anything for anybody. We are out of state so please except are condolences for your great loss.

Dear Precious Ann: One part of my heart is sad because many will miss Anthony's uplifting and loving outreach to all. However, the other part of my heart is happy as he is now with our Lord and Savoir. What a beautiful and perfect picture (above) of Anthony with that loving smile; I have never seen him without that smile especially at our little church of DeBows United Methodist. Anthony's love for the Lord is in that SMILE AND GOES DIRECTLY TO HIS HEART!!! I am sad for you, Ann, and the children; WHAT A LOSS FOR YOU!!!! I know it will be a difficult time, but our Lord will embrace you with so much love and caring to comfort you. Ann, please know I am here for you if you would like to talk, anytime. I am sending you and the children love and support. My # is 609-259-2527. Love through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior!!!!!

Prayers for The Giarratano Family. Our condolences on the loss of Anthony. RIP Anthony. The Garry Family ( Kristopher's mother)

Rest In Peace Thank you for your goodness

You be never forgotten

Rest easy kind gentleman.It was an honor to work along side you and call you a friend.

Dear Ann we are so sorry for your loss. My prayers for you and your family

To the Giarratano Family I extend my deepest sympathy. What pain you all must be experiencing at this difficult time. Know that it was never Jehovah God'purpose for us to die. He sees and understands the pain of losing a loved one in death. To give us comfort and a hope He gave His very own son Jesus and many Bible promises that will be fulfilled through him. Such as John 5:25, 28 & 29, which promises that our loved ones who have passed away are in God's memory waiting for His son Jesus to call them back to life! Imagine seeing your dear Anthony again! What a wonderful time that will be! In time if you would like to know more about God's promises and how they will be fulfilled through Jesus please visit jw.org. Again you have my sympathy.

My condolences to the family. Please be comforted by the Bible's promise of the resurrection. John 5:28,29, Acts 24:15.

My sincere condolences to my loving cousins; Vincent, Terry and Louisa on your brother Anthony’s passing. I know he is at peace with your Mom and Dad, but my sadness is deeply felt. To Ann, Brittany and Brendan, may your wonderful memories be a comfort to you always. Anthony was so sweet and my childhood memories of us kids at the family’s summer lake house make me smile. Love, Elaine