Antoinette Rose Totaro

Antoinette “Toni” Totaro

Anyone who knew Toni, or even met her once, immediately understood that she was special.

At 83, she still possessed a keen sense of humor, quick wit and an indomitable spirit. Deeply loved by her children and grandchildren, she felt she was one of the luckiest, most blessed women on earth. She always saw the glass as half-full, no matter what life tossed at her. Her positive energy and bright disposition lifted the spirits of everyone she met.

Toni suffered from severe, debilitating rheumatoid arthritis for nearly 30 years. She never complained. Instead, she considered what she was still able to do, despite the crippling effects of her disease on her hands. She cooked, baked and created delicious home-made meals that rivaled anything made by Food Network chefs. When she could no longer cook, she taught her grandchildren and others how. On a regular basis, she gave sage advice to her children, nieces and grandchildren, and had a wise viewpoint on everything from stock market picks to politics to the best days to do food shopping. She seemed to know a lot about everything.

Long before it was fashionable for a woman to own a business, Toni built a successful hoagie shop and grocery store in South Philadelphia called “Johnny & Toni’s” 32nd & Tasker, which she operated from 1955 to 1976. She worked tirelessly to provide a good life for her family and believed in the value of hard work and sincere effort. She never did anything half-way.

She raised her family with husband, John, in South and Southwest Philadelphia, and was an avid bowler and member of King of Peace parish, and St. Irenaeus Church, where she was president of the Women’s Club in the late 70’s.

Toni loved playing blackjack and enjoyed a good game of poker, Texas Hold ’em, and the occasional saucy joke.

She was a devoted mother and grandmother, a trusted aunt and sister, and a loving wife to her late husband, John. There will never be another like her.

Beloved wife of the late John. Devoted mother of John Totaro and Doreen Fera. Proud grandmother of Allyson and John Totaro and Brittany and Dominic Fera. Loving “Nana” to Will Obst. Mother-in-law of Ralph Fera and Angela Zungolo and loving “niece” Pat Obst. Survived by sister, Palma Boccuto Albert and brother, Vincent Marie. Also survived by sister-in-law Josephine “Dolly” DiPietrantonio. Mourned by nieces, nephews, neighbors and friends.

Viewing Tuesday eve 7-9 pm and Wednesday morn 8:15-9:15 am at EGIZI FUNERAL HOME, 119 Ganttown Rd., Turnersville Washington Twp., NJ. Mass 10 am St. Charles Borromeo RC Church, Sicklerville, NJ. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Cheltenham, PA.

“A Life Well Lived Is Worth Remembering.”