Anthony Peter Brandi, 95, of Hoosick Falls passed away Thursday, September 15, 2016 at the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center.
He was born on August 27, 1921, in Hoosick, NY, the son of the late Louis and Rose (Renda) Brandi. His parents and four older brothers came from Italy on a cattleboat to Ellis Island and located in Hoosick in 1920. His family became naturalized citizens of the United States.
Tony attended school in Hoosick Falls. He began working at a young age picking apples in an orchard. He helped his father make wine. He also learned the “shoe trade” from his older brother Danny.
In the 1940's, Tony and three of his brothers served in the Armed Forces during WW II. Tony was part of the military that protected the Panama Canal. With his knowledge of the shoe trade, he was also asked to repair the soles of boots worn by servicemen.
When Tony returned home from the war, he joined his brother Danny selling and repairing shoes at a small shop on Church Street in Hoosick Falls. They owned and operated the Brandi Shoe Store until Tony could retire. They sold shoes, boots, workgloves and workshirts. They repaired all kinds of leather goods. They were in business over fifty years.
He was an active and faithful member of the Immaculate Conception Church. He served as an usher for many years. You would always see him handing out bulletins at Sunday Mass. You would also see Tony helping maintenance with many small tasks. He loved his church and was very dedicated to it.
He enjoyed sports, especially golf. He was a golf caddie in his younger years. He use to bowl in a league. He coached JV Basketball at St. Mary's Academy. Tony enjoyed hanging out in the mornings “with the boys” whether it was at Stewart's or Benson's. He also enjoyed visiting local nursing homes and hospitals to visit the sick.
Tony was never married. He resided on Church Street most of his life with his family. In addition to his parents, Tony was predeceased by four brothers, Frank (Grace), Daniel, Joseph (Lillian) and Guy (Carmela) and one sister, Mary.
He is survived by nieces and nephews. He was always grateful for the “special attention” given to him by Ceil, Louie and Veronica Brandi. He enjoyed the many times he spent with them. They took him out to eat; took him grocery shopping; took him to all his medical appointments; and anywhere else he needed to go. He was very thankful for their love and kindness.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Saturday September 17, at 11:00 am from the Immaculate Conception Church on Main Street in Hoosick Falls. Burial will follow the mass at St. Mary's Cemetery in Hoosick Falls.
Relatives and friends may call at the Mahar Funeral Home, 43 Main Street in Hoosick Falls on Saturday from 9:00 am to 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, and in memory of Tony, donations may be made to the Immaculate Conception Church through the funeral home.
The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, aides and staff at S.W.V.M.C who helped care for Tony during his stay.