Obituary of Anthony M. Dattoma

On Friday, August 21, 2020, Anthony Michael Dattoma, loving husband and father of four children, passed away peacefully at the age of 87, surrounded by his beloved family. Anthony was born on February 6, 1933, in Long Island City, New York to Michael and Laura Dattoma. He attended Mount Saint Mary’s University and received his law degree from Georgetown University. He practiced real estate law in New York City and was a member, and past President, of the Columbian Lawyers Association and Italian Charities of America. On June 29th, 1963, he married Gloria Ann Riela, the love of his life and they raised four children, Laura, Michael, Claudia and Anthony in Jamaica Estates, New York. Anthony not only married Gloria, he also married into her beautiful large family. He instantly gained eight sisters and three brothers as well as nine in-laws! Gloria was the youngest of twelve children. He was so blessed to be a part of the amazing Riela family which eventually included thirty-three nieces and nephews. He was a beloved brother-in-law and uncle to all! Anthony had a passion for dancing, especially to Latin music, and was electric on the dance floor. It was his dancing that first caught Gloria’s eye and began their 57-year journey together. They fell in love on the dance floor at the Italian Charities events in Queens NY. He loved to golf with his two sons, brother-in-law and best friend, Jack, and many friends at North Hills Country Club. For over 40 years, North Hills Country Club was the center of his social life and friends there became extended family. Tinkering with his golf swing was an obsession. Every spring, every year, he would claim “I think I’ve got it!” Anthony loved working on all things mechanical, especially cars. We called him “MacGyver.” He could fix anything with good old fashioned creativity and ingenuity. He lived life to the fullest and was deeply loved by friends and family. Anthony was a kind soul with a contagious smile that lit up every room. Anthony was always fun to be around – the quintessential life of the party and the epitome of a cool dad. He had uncanny ability to tell a joke on cue, along with a laugh that was infectious. Anthony was preceded in death by his father, Michael, and his mother, Laura, along with his sister Marie and brother Joseph. He is survived by his wife Gloria, his four children, Laura, Michael, Claudia, and Anthony, sons-in-law, John Mariano and John McIntyre, and daughters-in-law, Andrea Dattoma and Alison Dattoma. He was blessed with 11 grandchildren: Francesca, JB, Gia, Jonathan, Jordan, Jack, Matthew, Kevin, Kate, Cameron, and Caitlin. We will cherish the countless memories and laughs he gave all of us. We will miss him dearly but his spirit will live forever within all those who knew and loved him. Our love for him is everlasting. Rest in Peace, Papa Tony. A Celebration of Anthony Dattoma’s life will be held on Wednesday, August 26th, 2020 at Fairchild Sons from 4:00 pm-8:00 pm at 1570 Northern Blvd, Manhasset NY, and Funeral Mass on Thursday, August 27th at 10:15 am, St. Mary’s Church at 1300 Northern Blvd, Manhasset NY. Christian Burial at Mount St. Mary’s Cemetery 1720-00 Booth Memorial Avenue Flushing, New York. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to St. Francis Hospital, The Heart Center 100 Port Washington Blvd. Roslyn, NY 11576.