Stuart, FL / Southbridge : Antonio "Tony" Tortis, 80, formerly of Southbridge, passed away on Thursday, March 26th, after a long illness.

His beloved wife of 38 years, Sandra S. (Dukes) Tortis, passed away in 2020.  He leaves his two daughters, Erica L. Tortis and her partner David of Millbury and Kimberley A. Ferron and her husband John of Florida; his son, William C. Smith and his wife Rene of Florida; his four grandchildren, Nathan Ferron and his spouse Tey of Sturbridge, Kaitlin Sullivan of Florida, Kassidy Sullivan of North Carolina, Julia Ellis and her husband Ronan of Boston; his brother Nicola Tortis and his wife Yvonne of Florida; his sister Candida Paakkonen and her husband Ellis of Florida; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers, Lidio Tortis, Galdino Tortis and Joseph Tortis and his sister, Maria Hazzard.  Antonio was born in Introdacqua, Italy, the son of the late Luigi and Maria (Leombruno) Tortis and came to the United States in 1953.

Antonio worked in Worcester Probate Court for 32 years as an Assistant Deputy Registrar, before retiring several years ago.  Antonio was a Constable for the Town of Southbridge for many years.  Antonio was also served in the Army National Guard, serving during Vietnam era remaining stateside.

Tony had a deep love for his family and never missed a play, a recital, a graduation, a Sunday phone call or any of his children's and grandchildren's important life events.  He was always the proudest person in the room at every one of those events.  He created a legacy of love that will continue for generations.

A funeral Mass for Tony will be held on Friday, April 17th, at 11:00am in the St. Mary's Church of the St. John Paul II Parish, 247 Hamilton St., Southbridge.  Burial will follow in New Notre Dame Cemetery, Southbridge.  There are no calling hours.

The Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge, is directing arrangements.