Antonio J. Tortolano, age 93, a lifelong resident of Woburn, passed away on January 26, 2025. Born in Woburn, “Sonny”, as he was affectionately known, was the son of the late Antonio and Anna (Cistrone) Tortolano.
He was raised and educated in Woburn and was a graduate of Woburn High School with the class of 1948. He then enlisted in the U.S. Navy to serve during the Korean Conflict.
Upon discharge, he returned home and graduated from the Lowell Institute with an electrical certificate before attending Northeastern University part-time evenings for a B.S. in electrical engineering, which he earned in 1970. He joined the M.I.T. Labs of Electrical Engineering where he spent 2 years building electronic circuits before spending over 18 rewarding years with Prof. C.L. Sands assisting with his technical work and aiding his thesis students. He also assisted several other distinguished professors and their students at M.I.T. in tube circuit and semiconductor circuit development, ultimately working with micro-processor research and development.
In his spare time, Sonny could be found in his garden, where he always produced a magnificent crop of vegetables, especially tomatoes and escarole. His fig tree was a family legend. Always supportive and kind to his many nieces, nephews and neighbors, Sonny was regarded as a sounding board for advice on practical matters. Known as the “go-to” for fixing anything, the family mantra, “bring it to Uncle Sonny”, was repeated constantly over the years followed by the perfect solution. He also loved music and enjoyed playing his guitar, especially songs by the “Ink Spots” and many WWI and WWII favorites for family and friends.
He was the dear brother of the late twins Violet Melaragni and Mary Tortolano, Edith Maiullari, Angelina Hatch and Rose Fiore. He was the cherished uncle of Bernadette Bruno, Louise Melaragni, Carol Cyran, Katherine Gerade, Ruth Aylward, Barbara Cruwys, Rita Sacco, MaryAnne Maiullari, Helen Hatch, Nancy Maiullari, Elizabeth Hatch, Lucy Maiullari and the late Louise Maiullari, Anne Melaragni, Antonio Fiore and Paula Nawoichik.
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather for Visiting Hours at the Costello Funeral Home, 177 Washington St., Winchester, on Wednesday, January 29 from 4-7 PM and again on Thursday, January 30 at 9AM followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Church, 155 Washington St., Winchester, at 10AM. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Winchester.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Sonny’s memory may be made to Minuteman Senior Services, 1 Burlington Woods Drive - Suite 101, Burlington, MA 01803.