Anthony P. Abruzzise, Jr.

OXFORD – Anthony P. Abruzzise, Jr., 90, of Sutton Avenue, died peacefully on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at Harrington Memorial Hospital in Southbridge.  He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Mary Lou (Alderman) Abruzzise of Oxford; two sons, Michael Abruzzise and his wife Lynn of Florida, and Steven Abruzzise of Webster; four daughters, Tina Bullock of Charlton, Linda Melynk of New Jersey, Christine Toleman of Auburn, and Paula Abruzzise and her wife Trenna of Oxford; three stepsons, Larry Reichelt of New York, Todd Reichelt and his wife Erica of New York, and Joseph Payette and his wife Michele of Maine; a stepdaughter, Alison Lovely and her husband George of New York; his daughter-in-law, Annette; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, step grandchildren, step great grandchildren, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.  He was predeceased by two sons, Anthony Abruzzise and John Abruzzise; a sister, Jane Abruzzise; and a stepdaughter, Vanessa Williams.  He was born in Worcester, son of the late Anthony P. and Mary (Porcaro) Abruzzise Sr., and lived in Auburn before moving to Oxford in 1997.  He graduated from Commerce High School in Worcester in 1951, and received an associate degree from Worcester Junior College in 1958.  He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War.

Mr. Abruzzise owned and operated Worcester Reading Company in Auburn for 66 years, which supplied distributors and chain salons with books, posters, banners, and magazines.  He enjoyed playing the piano, cribbage, and rummy.

A private graveside service will be held at Hillside Cemetery in Auburn at the convenience of the family.  There are no calling hours.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942.