Obituary of Anthony B. Cagnina Sr.

Anthony B. Cagnina Sr. of Peabody MA, died September 2, 2009, of natural causes. He was the husband of the late Sarah E. (Mullins) Cagnina and son of the late Croci Cagnina and Gaetana Stella of St. Catherine, Sicily. He was born in Woburn on June 18, 1916, and had been a North Shore resident for most of his life. He graduated from Woburn High School in 1934 where he was an enthusiastic student earning his letters in football and track. He joined the U.S. Army in 1941, as a high speed radio operator and expert marksman. He served under General Patton for over four years. The two shared stories, jokes and common acquaintances from back home during the infamous Tunisian Campain. He and his fellow servicemen captured Bizerte, the last remaining port on Tunisia, North Africa. Following his honorable discharge, “ Tony “ worked for the railroad as a telegraph operator, linesman and dispatcher. His career with the Boston & Maine Railroad lasted over three decades. During these years he travelled with his children with the drum corps. He and his beloved wife Sally, initiated the creation of National Drum Corps Day, which was implemented by the Governor of Massachussetts. Together with Sally, Tony was active in campaigning for JFK’s presidency and spearheaded Ted Kennedys North Shore Senate campaign in 1962. After his retirement in 1972, he became the Massashussetts State Billiard champion. He also enjoyed restoring luxury cars, hunting and fishing with his family and many friends. He leaves four children, Anthony B. Cagnina Jr. and John Charles Cagnina of Gloucester, M. Michelle Breck of Dedham, ME and Sabrina Santos; eleven grand-children: Renee Hart, Kelly Williams, Christopher Seth McFadden, Jessica Cagnina, Leah Ketchopolos, Tyrus Pechilis, Jim Cagnina , Johanna Pechilis, Leanne Cagnina, Anthony B. Cagnina III, and Jesse Breck , and sixteen great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Joseph, Charles, Angelo and John Cagnina and uncle of the late Angelo Cagnina Jr. A visitation will be held on Tuesday from 10:00 to 10:45 AM at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home at the 20 Church St., Peabody (Downtown) facility followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St John’s Church at 11:00 AM. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery, Salem. Those who prefer may make donations to the charity of your choice.