Anthony Peter Gagliardi passed away Tuesday, January 25, 2011 after a valiant two week battle with congestive heart failure and pneumonia. He was treated by the dedicated staff of St. Raphael Hospital,SLA 3. "Tiss" was born December 11, 1918 in New Haven to Maria DeMeo Gagliardi and Vincenzo Gagliardi. He was pre-deceased by : his parents and his devoted wife of 65 years, Teresa Bonfiglio Gagliardi, brother Michael and sisters Florence "Ritz" Manzi(Michael) and Margaret Kvitnizki(Anthony) and brother-in-law Ray Richards. Tony is survived by his sons James and Ronald(Diane), Sister Christine Richards and brothers Bernard(Gloria), Phillip(Filomena), Ralph(Genevieve), Vincent(Susan), and Sister-in-law Norma. He is also survived by grandchildren Jim and Marissa and her daughter Mialyn and grandchildren Jeff and Gina DaLan(Stefan) and their children Maya and Luke and his God-daughter Wendy Antalik DeFrancesco and by numerous nieces and nephews and their children. He attended Hillhouse High and was graduated from Hamden High(37) and was employed at Geometric Tool prior to serving proudly on the battleship U.S.S Indiana during WWII. Upon his return from the war he was employed at Plasticrete, later retiring after a dedicated career at New Haven's Brewery Street Post Office. He was a resident of Hamden since 1951 and a communicant/volunteer at Blessed Sacrament Church. He was a skilled carpenter and enjoyed creating furniture for family members. He and his wife traveled extensively to Hawaii, Las Vegas, Argentina, and Europe and they visited many New England and Mid-Western states. During high school he helped support his family as a member of the Civilian Conservation Corps and was honored to meet Governor Rell at a CCC reunion. He was determined to visit the WWII Memorial in Washington D.C. and did so at the 33rd reunion of his shipmates during October, 2005. Tony was proud of what he accomplished, often saying "I've had a long life and I am ready to join my wife." In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the CT chapter of the National MS Society, 659 Tower Ave. first floor, Hartford CT 06112. Friends may call at the Peter H. Torello & Son F.H 1022 Dixwell Ave. Hamden on Monday morning ,Jan. 31, from 8:30 to 10:15 A.M. prior to an 11:00 mass of Christian burial at Blessed Sacrament Church, 322 Circular Ave. Hamden. Interment in All Saints Cemetery, North Haven, with full military honors.