Sunday Afternoon

Tony P. Ardillo, Sr
(August 1, 1928 – August 30, 2009)

A beloved member of the Amite community Tony P. Ardillo, Sr. passed away Sunday, August 30, 2009, at the age of 81 years. His valiant seven year battle with cancer ended at 5:00 a.m., his normal hour for arising for over 70 years to begin his day at Ardillo, Inc. which was founded in 1939. He was vice-president and an owner of one of Amite’s oldest continuing business. A life-long resident of Amite, he lived his entire life along the Hwy 16 area. Daddy was a member of “America’s Generation” and lived his life committed to honesty and integrity. He was so well liked and respected by the many customers of the family business and even after he became sick, they always looked for him at his desk. Many of his friends would have a seat with him and enjoy a nice long visit and even a cup of coffee. We are so grateful to our patrons for their many years of friendship, loyalty, and expressions of kindness throughout his life and especially during his illness. He was a member of St. Helena Catholic Church, Associated Grocers of Baton Rouge, Amite Chamber of Commerce, Springview Country Club, and Florida Parishes Skeet and Gun Club.

Visitation at McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Monday, August 31, 2009, from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and on Tuesday, September 1, 2009, from 8:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Mass of Christian burial will be at St. Helena Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m. with Father Jack Nutter and Father Joe Camilleri officiating. Interment in Amite Memorial Garden. Scripture readers will be Mike Stant and Susan McGraw. Eucharistic ministers will be Savina and Steve Campo and Ann and Pete Dana. Gifts will be brought forth by Carley and Anthony Ardillo and Gabriel Stant.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Mary Frances Campo Ardillo, Amite; daughters, Brenda A. Bellavia and husband Frank, Amite, Mary F. Ardillo, and Roslyn Ardillo, both of Amite; sons, Tony P. Ardillo, Jr., Amite, and Tim Ardillo and partner Jason Miiller, Indianapolis, IN. Also surviving are grandchildren, Jessica B. Stant and husband Mike, Marc “Deke” Bellavia and wife Richelle, Carley Ardillo and Anthony Ardillo, III, Noah P. Ardillo-Miiller; great-grandchildren Gabriel, Sarah, and Elizabeth Stant and Emma Claire Bellavia. A brother Nick P. Ardillo, Amite and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Also survived by special cousins Josie DePhillips and Mary Lou Lea.

Preceded in death by his mother Carmella Conti Ardillo and father Roy S. Ardillo, brother Steve P. Ardillo, sister Josie A. Walsh, mother and father-in-law Frances and Sam Campo and Josie B. Ardillo.

Pallbearers are James “Rube” Ardillo, Johnny Conti, Greg Esteven, Alan Melancon, Boyd Raborn, Jr., Jerry Rispone, Mike Stant, and Jerry Trabona. Honorary pallbearers are Oliver Bergeron, Matthew Campo, Sam Campo, Garfield Faust, Erlest Landrew III, and Mario Messina.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Memorial and Honor Program, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105

Our family would like to thank the many people who have fought alongside Daddy during these seven years including the doctors and staffs of North Oaks Hospital in Hammond, Hood Memorial Hospital in Amite, and Southeast Regional Medical Center in Kentwood. Also, to the many home health caregivers who tended to Daddy through the years. He was good man and wonderful father. We will walk proudly in his footsteps, but no one will ever fill his shoes.

An on-line Guestbook and to view a Video Tribute is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W behind Mr. Tom’s Car Wash and Bond Eye Clinic.