Anthony Mortale

Our Beloved Father and Husband

Anthony “Tony” Arthur Mortale passed away of complications from a successful open heart surgery at 8:27 a.m., January 2, 2010.

Tony was born on September 8, 1928 to Vito and Teresa Mortale who were Italian immigrants. He graduated from Tech High School, and worked at his father’s business Vito’s Grocery Store until he served in the Korean War.

Upon return from serving his country he married Janet Joann Hucka on October 26, 1953 and became the sole proprietor of Vito’s Food Market. Janet and Tony were blessed with eight children. Janet died of cancer on February 16, 1969.

Tony was a popular and well respected business owner. In 1966 he converted his father’s grocery store to the well known Tony’s Lounge. While Tony was raising eight children and working at his new business he met the next love of his life Janet L. Brotherson. Tony and Jan married on February 2, 1980. They would have been married 30 years this year. Over time, Jan became not only our friend, but later the mother we lost so early in life. Jan showed unconditional love to Dad and all eight children.

During their marriage there were many joys and sorrows. Tony was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 1997. Although “statistically” he should not have survived, Tony became a 13 year survivor of this deadly cancer. He even shot a hole in one his first time out golfing after surgery. He was our “miracle man”.

Tony retired to enjoy life with Jan, his children, grandchildren, and golfing with close friends. He also was an avid fan of the Hawkeyes and the N.Y. Yankees. Tony and Jan loved to travel and spent a month in Hawaii every year. Although Hawaii was their favorite travel destination, they also loved to explore other domestic and international places. Tony always loved to say he had been in every state but Alaska.

Tony was preceded in death by his first wife Janet; daughter Jenice Mortale; sisters, Catherine Mortale and Josephine Scigliano; brothers, Arman and Charles Mortale

Although Tony has physically left….his character, morals, and love for his family will continue through the lives of his beloved family. Surviving Tony in his death are his wife Jan; daughters, Nancy Durantini, Sandy Mortale, Julie (Tim) Chun, Charlene Mortale, Theresa (Garry Durnin) Mortale; sons, Jeff and Anthony A. (Kristen) Mortale, II; sister Julia Turner; son-in-law Marc van Aken; grandchildren, Paul and Jessica Hinz, Alex and Brandon Chun, A.J. and Abby Mortale, Benjamin and Harrison van Aken.

Tony had many “roles” in his life, but his favorite role was that of husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother and son. You will always be our “miracle man” Tony, Dad Grandpa…we miss you and will carry your love in our lives and hearts forever.

Visitation will be Wednesday, January 6, 2010 from 2 to 8 p.m. with family present from 6 to 8 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, IA with a rosary at 7:30 p.m. Funeral services will be on Thursday, January 7 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Church. Burial will be at Glendale Cemetery. A memorial has been established in Tony’s loving memory and contributions may be left at Hamilton’s.

www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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