| Date of Birth | March 19, 1938 |
| Passed Away | May 18, 2025 |
| Service Date | May 22, 2025 |
| Service Time | 03:00 PM |
| Service Location | Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell |
| Interment Location | St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Fremont |
Anthony Joseph “Tony” Roselli
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 a 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 below at “Share a Memory” or on the Facebook page of
Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.
Mary, Yvonne, and Lisa and the rest of your family; Tia, Tony, and I send you condolences on the passing of Tony.
Uncle Tony was one of the best to them and so kind and caring to me.
Tony has related to me numerous times how he would play the Marine Corps Hymn for him at The Ponce. Uncle Tony loved it as did my Tony.
I am so thankful that I was able to visit with him so he could tell his stories. It was a wonderful visit that will be cherished always!
Many prayers and blessings to you all.
Tony would always come into our store, the salvation army. He would tell jokes and make me laugh. He would come to the back door and say” Hey JoJo , what are ya doin back there ?” He would tell me stories of his days in the military or memories with some of my uncles or grandfather . I really looked forward to seeing him everyday. When he got sicker , he would drive around back and yep from the car or drive by real slow, to see if he could spot me. He would ask about everyone and tell me his lastest updates. He was an absolute joy to see everyday. Miss his face at the store and his whistling . Man, he could whistle like no other. Rest in peace my friend . You will be in my heart forever and so will your jokes and stories. My deepest condolences to his wife and children.
A candle was lit for Anthony Joseph “Tony” Roselli.
Sending prayers to Mary and the family.Tony was a great cousin and man.There are many memories of Tony that I will hold close to my Heart.Rest In Peace Brother.