Anthony Frank Selmont

Anthony “Tony” Selmont died peacefully in his sleep on September 17, 2021, at Masonicare in Wallingford, Connecticut.  On October 14, 1930, he was born to Ralph and Mary (Lostritto) Selmont in New Haven, Connecticut.

Tony was affectionately known to his family as “Babe.” He and his brother, Ralph “Sonny” Selmont, grew up in New Haven and were raised by their Catholic-Italian family after the death of their mother in 1936. His extended family included many aunts, uncles and cousins.

One of Tony’s favorite spots in Connecticut was Savin Rock Park in West Haven. Tony cherished his childhood memories of the boardwalk, the amusement park and working at Jimmie’s of Savin Rock.

At the age of seventeen Tony joined the United States Air Force (USAF).  While serving, he earned his GED and was a radio operator.  During the time he was stationed in Germany, he played football, was a boxer and coached boxing for the USAF. He was honorably discharged in 1953. Tony attended college and worked hard at various occupations after his military service, including being a short order cook and operating his own food truck and restaurants.

In 1967, Tony met and married Rachel Cadotte. Together they had two daughters and one son, and raised their family in North Haven.  Tony’s family grew as his children married and welcomed eight grandkids.  He was extremely proud of all his grandchildren. “Grandpop” Tony always wanted to know what his granddaughters and grandsons were doing.  He kept a birthday list to send his children and grandchildren cards on their birthdays.

His friends remember him as a good man and a great friend.  Tony was a lover of music and the arts.  He enjoyed painting, was a fine dancer and willing singer, sometimes breaking out into song.  His other hobbies included golf, playing cards, fishing and boating.  

Last year for his 90th birthday his children and their spouses rented a limousine and took Tony on a special tour of his treasured Fair Haven neighborhood that included stops on State Street near East Rock, at Rocco’s Bakery on Ferry Street, St. Lawrence Cemetery to visit his parents’ gravesites and a delicious seafood lunch on the New Haven waterfront.  It was a very memorable and happy day. 

Tony was a devout Catholic who loved his family, friends and good food.  His smile and laughter will be dearly missed.

Tony is survived by his former wife, Rachel, their children, Linda (Doug) Howard, Diane (Tom) DellaRatta and Thomas (Sandra) Selmont, and his grandchildren: Ashley, Caitlin, and Jessica DellaRatta, Nicholas and Nathan Howard, Alessandra, Theodore, and Calissa Selmont.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Ralph “Sonny” Selmont and all his beloved aunts and uncles.

The family wishes to send a warm thank you to all the Masonicare team who cared for Tony, but we especially want to thank the staff members and friends/residents in the Wright Building who knew and loved him so well.

A funeral mass will be held in October. All are welcome to attend.  Please contact one of Tony's children for full details.