Anthony Francis DiBello Obituary
Anthony Francis DiBello, of Defreestville, NY, died after a sudden and undisclosed illness on March 31, 2024.
Anthony Francis was born on November 28, 1932, in Mechanicville, NY. He was a graduate of Mechanicville High School where he lettered in track.
In 1959, he married Dorothy Leona Burek and together they had 8 children: Mark, Joseph, Lisa, Bradley, Toni, Amy, Julie and Susan. He was widowed in 1982 and later re-married Donna Helen Riccardo Murphy, his secretary.
Anthony was a lifelong communicant in the Roman Catholic Church, a member of the Religious Order of Franciscans, a CCD teacher, and a parishioner and regular attendee in the Christian Church.
Tony was a US Army Korean War veteran and registered Republican although he supported candidates from both parties, over the years, in his duties as a newspaper publisher. He received a written commendation from President Ronald Reagan, for his work and was befriended by New York Governor and Vice President Nelson Rockefeller.
Tony or “D,” began his work career in radio and television, as both an actor and station manager. He was also a promoter working with the likes of Johnny Mathis, Johnny Cash, Frank Sinatra, The Beatles, and even Elvis through Elvis’ manager Colonel Tom Parker, among others. His most prolific success came as a publisher and the founder and CEO of DiBello Publishing Company Inc, which included the publicly-traded Hospital Newspapers Group and Hospital Recruiters Group. Anthony founded and published “The PennySaver,” “The Greenbush Area News,” and “Hospital News.” His final publishing feat was his autobiography “What a Ride.” In truth, Tony was a perpetual entrepreneur.
In his lifetime, Anthony received many accolades and awards. In addition, he created and contributed to countless churches, causes and charities. Including the charity formed with his son, Mark Anthony DiBello, in his dad's dying days entitled "The Perspecticide of Popsicle Foundation" or "P.O.P."; to bring awareness to the victimization and suffering of the elderly, Veterans and victims of spousal and domestic abuse.
Anthony is survived by his eight children: Mark Anthony DiBello, Joseph Michael DiBello, Lisa Ann DiBello, Bradley Ralph DiBello, Toni DiBello Farnan, Amy DiBello Taylor Kibbey, Julie DiBello Harbour, and Susan DiBello Adams; in addition to five grandchildren and three great grandchildren; along with many nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his father, Raphael DiBello and mother Josephine Enzogna DiBello and his brothers Mark John “D” DiBello, Vincent “Slim” DiBello, Joseph “UJ” DiBello; and sisters, Mary DiBello West and Josephine “Babe” DiBello Fusco; and other uncles, aunts, nephews and nieces.
Anthony was a devout believer in God. He was an extremely blessed, talented and hard-working man. He was creative, intelligent and thoughtful. He was also charismatic, comedic and charitable. He loved family, friends and so many more. In addition, he loved and enjoyed animals, sports [especially horse-racing and football], game-playing, music, movies and television, travel, dining and so much more. He truly loved and enjoyed life.
Truly, there will forever be only one Anthony Francis DiBello like this one. He will be forever loved and adored.
