INDUSTRY – Anthony L. Tempesta, 71, of Industry lost his 40-plus-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease with his wife and dog Ellie May by his side on Thursday, Nov. 19, 2015 at his home.
He was a graduate of Edward Little High School and went on to build his career in the shoe industry. Tony was a determined spirit with a wonderful sense of humor. This and his artistic sense brought him around the world, even working in Asia for many years.
His determination went beyond his career, he became a pilot and designed his own home on Clearwater Lake. He loved hunting and fishing, going to the family camp north of Jackman, and cooking.
Anthony is survived by his wife Janette Jackson whom he had been with for almost 40 years; four children: Mark, Crystal, Daryl, and Lisa; seven grandchildren; four great grandchildren; a sister Dale Tempesta; and two brothers Jerry and Tommaso Tempesta.
He was predeceased by his parents, a sister Elaine Degraves, and a niece Katie Tempesta-Fournier.
A celebration of his life will be planned for August, date to be announced. Those wishing may make donations in his memory to Donation Processing, The Michael J. Fox Foundation, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014.
Arrangements under the care of Adams-McFarlane Funeral & Cremation Services, 108 Court St., Farmington. Condolences may be sent for the family at www.adamsmcfarlane.com.
Tony, may you enjoy the peace you so richly deserve – you fought the good fight with Janette by your side.
You were a strong and courageous man and so many times you found yourself at the brink between life and death, but with your strength and Janette’s watchfulness you chose life.
Janette, may you find moments of ease and joy in your memories of Tony’s life.
My sincere condolences on your loss.
Tim Davis
So sorry for your loss!
Sorry for you loss Jeanette. Prayers for you and your family.
Carol
So sorry for your loss Janette !!! May you find comfort in knowing that Tony is resting in peace !!
Rest in Peace Dad, you deserve it, a valiant and honorable effort. I would like to dedicate your memory to all of the good things we have in our lives as the result of the unlimited times you sacrificed for us and steered us into a better future. It allowed us to prosper, attract love and education, have a successful family with many children, this is how life is supposed to be and you lived it to it’s absolute fullest. You did your best with what you created in life and became a symbol of success for many. You and Janette have our family’s love and admiration Tara is dedicating her upcoming performance to Carnegie Hall. She put together a genealogy scrapbook with pictures of your fathers homeland in Italy, family photos at arrival in Ellis Island in NYC, and knowing that the same halls he may have passed as an immigrant with many things off limits, became available through the promise of the American Dream. That spirit of traveling around the world, Brazil, China, Europe, Caribbean, and countless other destinations is an undeniable legacy that opened up the world to us. From a small corner of the world in Maine which brought together other branches of family and generations from the 1600’s in Boston, ancestors lines from England, Scotland, France, even Native Americans and more. The patriarchs and matriarchs become those posts which we navigate the future. It’s something that has an endearing quality and decorated with undeniable achievements. Your father saved a hunting hamlet, introduced Pizza to Auburn with his business legacy – the business of opening even in the face of 97% closures of shoe factories in Maine during the dawn of US globalization and operating shoe factories. Long tradition of hosted people and families in need – a tradition we continue. One we have extended to friends from Ireland, Peru, France, New Jersey and now Germany. By Dads example, we extend help to those to need it and ask for it. The priceless gift of help and assistance is your legacy Dad. One we honor. Our immediate family is one small part of the lives you effected. Dexter, Harold Alfond are synonymous with our family’s roots, an original start-up, that spirit captured across the ages and distance to Silicon Valley, a spirit expressed in the people of Maine. So goes Maine, so goes the country right? The stories you shared about spending times with him, what grand adventures. Making maple syrup in the greenhouse with a drive for quality. We till buy the best so we don’t have to buy twice. There is so much to say about your life and how wonderful it was to know you. I feel like you harnessed lightning with us kids trying to find our purpose and capability, we explored – like you – the world. And the lives you affected like your daughter’s being the President of the New Hampshire chapter of Mother Against Drunk Driving – saving lives and families, your other daughter who graduated as the valedictorian and teacher, a son who dedicated his life to music, books and intellectual pursuits on his own terms, and with us, the library of music and access to the classical masterpieces and science programming during those long starry cold Maine nights through NOVA and PBS, allowing me to spend endless hours at the University. yes, you gave me the courage to hand out with college students in class participating as a walk-in, attending events there, even being a guest writer in the paper. By the standard of freedom and intellectual pursuit, I can’t imagine a better life. He knew that a inquisitive mind needed to be directed towards things that satisfied that curiosity, and when it became time to commit to his responsibility, he helped me get a personal computer after being accepted to the University – a machine even they were just exploring. It allowed me enough time to help jump-start a fraternity and together make it 4 years, elected for posts, awarded and leadership roles, extending the experience the Air Force trained me in, I became the person that could do what others think it takes an institution to do. And that realization is part of the legacy of my Dad. What power one person has is really remarkable. I think he would want everyone to get an education and rise above personal limitations. Free oneself of resource hoarding by other interests – He knew we are all talented and capable in our own way, just waiting to be realized and compassion that goes along with it. He did this despite any force working against him by his health, it is a footnote to his accomplishments. We celebrate his life and the people that cared for him, and loved him dearly.