Anthony "Tony" DeSimone

Anthony P. “Tony” DeSimone, 64, passed away unexpectedly at his home on December 27, 2025.

Tony was born on November 21, 1961, in Utica, NY, a son of the late Anthony and Lucille (Chiarello) DeSimone. He was raised and educated locally and graduated from T.R. Proctor High School in 1979. He later attended SUNY Cobleskill, but returned home after his father’s passing to be close to and care for his mother, who meant the world to him. Tony went on to attend SUNY IT, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Manufacturing and Industrial Technology.

Tony spent nearly four decades with Sumitomo Electric, where he worked as a Senior Engineer since 1988. His career took him all over the world—Italy, Japan, Germany, throughout Canada, and across most of the United States. He took great pride in his work and was deeply loyal to Sumitomo, a passion that never went unnoticed by colleagues, customers, and especially his close friend, Andy Gunarich.

Known to many as “Slim” or “Skinny,” Tony was a true outdoorsman at heart. He loved hunting and fishing and cherished trips with his cousins and longtime fishing partners Joey Alberico, Frank DeSimone, and others. Some of his favorite memories were made hunting out west in Wyoming and Colorado. In recent years, he found just as much joy fishing in Tampa Bay and Boca Grande with his son AJ and daughter-in-law Jordan—time on the water together that he truly treasured. He was a proud member of the Mid Valley Beagle Club, where he trained and hunted with his dogs and those of fellow members.

Tony was previously married to Paulette Borruso, with whom he shared his greatest pride and joy—his son, Anthony “AJ” DeSimone. Tony was a devoted father and AJ’s biggest supporter, never missing a hockey game growing up or a collegiate lacrosse game at the University of Tampa. Their bond was special and unwavering, on and off the field.

Tony had his routines—Fox News at five, college lacrosse on TV—but he always made time for great food and good company. He loved trying new cuisines and encouraging others to do the same, especially his daughter-in-law, Jordan. While he never passed on a classic Italian Sunday dinner, Tony had a particular love for sushi and world-class dining discovered during his travels.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Anthony “AJ” and Jordan DeSimone of Tampa, FL; his beloved granddaughter, Josephine DeSimone, whom he adored; his life partner, MaryAnn Nicotera, and her mother, Anna, of Utica; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Patricia “Patty” and Ronald Vaccaro of Canastota, and Karen and Michael Pezzulo of Sauquoit; his brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Sara DeSimone of Manlius; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., at Matt Funeral Home, 700 Rutger St., corner of Mohawk St., Utica, NY. A prayer service will follow at the conclusion of visitation. Private interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the Utica Police and Fire Departments for their professionalism and care.

In memory of Tony and his love of hunting dogs, please consider a donation to the Mid-Valley Beagle Club, which can be done by emailing insneeds@aol.com cc Vic Costanza.

Online memorials at www.MattFuneralHome.com

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