Anthony Gelfo

Anthony Gelfo, age 89, passed away at his home on April 29, 2012.  As he passed from this life to the hands of his loving God, he was surrounded by his family. It was truly a peaceful time after several long months battling with cancer. He is survived by his wife, Connie, sons Maurice and Victor, daughters Yvonne, Rosalynn, and Lisa, daughters-in-law- Lauree and Holly, his son-in-law Christopher, his grand children Tony, Amir Christopher, Lindsay, Mohsen, Jessica, Christian, Madison, Kiana, his great grand children Layla, Phoenix, and Micah.  He is also survived by his sisters Manani and Francis who live in Malta. He will reunite with his deceased son, David, in heaven.
Anthony was born January 10, 1923 in Senglia, Malta.  He was a handsome young man who loved diving off the tall cliffs of Malta into the crystal blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Even as a young man, he had a love for God.  He spent many days working in the church as an alter boy.  He loved to sing in the church choir and had dreams of one day becoming an opera singer.
Anthony had many talents including working with his hands.  His first job was as an aircraft engineer for BOAC (British Overseas Aircraft Company), where he traveled all over world. In 1949, he settled in New York and then moved to Southern California a year later with the help of his Uncle Frank and Cousin Rosina.   In 1952, he came back to Malta to visit. He helped to bring his brother Joe and cousin Arthur to the United States.  While he was visiting Malta, he caught the eye of his future wife, Connie and they married two years later in 1954.
Connie was able to move to the U.S. in 1956 to start her new married life with Anthony and they began working on their family.  They had 6 children; three boys and three girls.  At this time, he worked at Lockheed Aircraft, where he was involved with building many airplanes, including “the Pregnant Guppy”.
In 1977, Anthony began working at the Motion Picture Hospital as maintenance engineer.  They quickly discovered his singing talent and asked him to perform for the retired celebrities. He retired in 1988.  In 1991, Anthony and Connie moved to Palmdale, California where he lived the rest of his life.
Anthony was truly a kind man who loved his family.  He will be remembered for his selfless spirit, his beautiful singing, his warm smile, and the words he always said “Is everybody happy?”
Anthony will be missed by his loving wife, children, and grandchildren.
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