Antonio Crespo

Antonio “Tony” Crespo, a long-time resident of Chicago, IL and Norwalk, CT, died peacefully on November 14, 2017 in West Haven, CT at 84 years of age.

Tony is survived by his wife Ermis Oneida (nee Rios); children Ermis Oneida (spouse Mario E. Maldonado), Antonio, Abraham (spouse Brenda Spinato-Crespo), and Josue Crespo; his brothers Cristobal, Carmelo, and Felipe; his grandchildren Elisa and Mario (Ermis), Cristina and Crystal (Antonio), Jazmin and Abraham Justin (Abraham); his great grandchildren Lucca and Rocco (Elisa), Elijah, Mikayla and Noah (Cristina), Ava, Ezekiel and Alexa (Crystal), Marlon (Jazmin); and his many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father Jose Antonio, his mother Berta, brothers, Rodolfo, Hijinio, Eligio, and sister Carmen Irene.

Tony was born in Barrio Jagual, San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico on May 10, 1933 to Jose Antonio and Berta Crespo. On September 24, 1960 he married Ermis Oneida Rios in Chicago, IL. On September 24, 1961 he welcomed his daughter Ermis Oneida, on March 9, 1964 he welcomed his son Antonio, on August 23, 1970 he welcomed his son Abraham, and finally on September 15, 1976 he welcomed his son Josue.

Tony enlisted in the United States Army on January 2, 1953. He served with the 33rd Infantry Regiment at Fort Kobbe, Canal Zone, Panama during the Korean War. He attained the rank of Private First Class and received the National Defense Service Medal. He was granted a Honorable Discharge on December 31, 1960.

Tony first worked 13 years at Superior Concrete, in Franklin Park, IL and then retired after working 20 years at Interstate Brands Corporation, Butternut Bread Bakeries, in Chicago, IL where he was a member of the Teamsters Union Local 734.

Tony, an avid bowler, bowled in several leagues and tournaments in Chicago and Norwalk, and once bowled a perfect game. He loved to play dominoes, enjoyed dancing bachata, and was known as a jokester. Always impeccably dressed, he was affectionately known as “Papi Chulo”, he is remembered fondly by all of those who met him as he laughed and smiled often. He always spoke of his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, and extended family with love, respect, and pride.

A wake service is scheduled on Saturday, November 18, 2017 from 5:00pm to 9:00pm at Hoyt-Cognetto Funeral Home & Crematorium, 5 East Wall Street, Norwalk, CT 06851.

Burial Services and Interment will take place at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL.