Antonio C. Ciaccia, 86, of Fairport, NY, passed away peacefully on November 19, 2025.
Born in Celano, Italy, Antonio immigrated to the United States at the age of 16 with his parents and sister. A true dreamer, he turned his visions into reality by founding Ciaccia’s International Importers of Fine Foods in 1962 at Bulls Head Plaza. He was one the first delicatessens and importers in the area and opened several others. He has helped other people open their own delis, serving as a mentor to many. His free time was spent on his passion for Real Estate. Antonio did things his way, with vision, determination, and integrity, earning the respect and admiration of all who knew him.
Family was everything to Antonio. He instilled a strong work ethic in his children, grandchildren, and everyone he met. He loved being around family, believing that staying united was the most important thing in life.
Antonio had a presence that was truly larger than life. He loved life, and his positivity, warmth, and magnetic personality drew people to him. He was admired for his guidance, mentorship, and inspiring outlook. His life was full, joyful, and impactful.
He was predeceased by his parents, Antonio and Maria Ciaccia, and his brothers-in-law, Dario Marchioni and Lino Dimarzio (Italy).
Antonio is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Rita (Vitale) Ciaccia; his children, Ines (Ronald) Gabbard, Anthony (Danise) Ciaccia, Stephanie Ciaccia, and Annemarie (Bradley) Kraft; and his grandchildren, Michael (Jordan) Ciaccia, Jacob (Nicole) Gabbard, Matthew Gabbard, Nicholas Ciaccia, and Andrew Gabbard. He cherished his great-granddaughters, Gracie Gabbard and Bella Ciaccia.
He is also survived by his sister, Giuliana (Ciaccia) Marchioni, his niece Maria Paris, nephews John (Monique) Marchioni, Anthony (Stephanie) Marchioni, and his sister-in-law Lucia (Vitale) Dimarzio and nephews Corrado (Savina) and Carmine Dimarzio (Italy).
Antonio will be remembered for his entrepreneurial spirit, his guidance, his deep devotion to family, his unique style, and the warmth, kindness, and joy he shared with everyone who knew him. His legacy will live on through his children.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to Strong Hospital would be appreciated.
Funeral Mass Saturday November 29, 2025 10AM at Church of the Assumption 20 East Avenue, Fairport. The mass will also be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/@churchoftheassumptionfairp2564.
17 responses to “Ciaccia, Antonio C.”
So sorry for your loss. Tony was a fighter he has been through a lot and always bounced back, he was the coolest .Always reminded me of a mobster..Mr.tough guy.I know you will be missed you have a wonderful family who. are loved.RIP .I know you will be watching over your beautiful wife Rita and your family.you will be missed . 🙏🏻❤️
I am so sorry for our loss, I knew him for nearly 10 years he was always kind hearted and I always saw kindness and love from him. I always called him my American father and he always had a good laugh every time. May he rest in peace.
At the age of ten, holding my Mother’s hand, we entered Ciaccia’s. The aroma of cheeses hanging from the ceiling, snails in a wicker basket, green olives floating in a barrel, ropes of sausages curled in a spiral and those delicious coffee cookies displayed in front of the cooler. Behind the counter was a young man with Hollywood looks. Young Tony greeted us with that famous smile, a genuine warmth that felt like we were always family. That was the first time I meet Tony, and that feeling has not changed in 63 years. Tony touched many lives with warmth and generosity. I feel blessed to have been part of Tony and Rita’s family life. Tony left this world better then he found it. A life well lived.
A loss that is deeply felt.
We are so so sorry for your loss and thoughts and prayers are with you all 🙏🙏🙏🙏 He was such a great man who loved his beautiful wife, children and grandchildren deeply! He will be your angel now and still be with you everyday 🙏 This I believe because of my experience and my faith 🙏 I love you all and you will be surrounded by love because I do know what a amazing family and friends you have ❤️ Let God bless you always and help comfort you 🙏
You were an amazing man friend father grandfather !!!
You were very much loved and will be very much so
Missed !!! My heart goes out to all of the family and for Rita ..
Jerry and I send our sincere sympathy for the loss of your Dad, to our friends Annemarie and Stephanie and your family. Your father’s life story is truly inspiring and it was a gift to our community that he and his family immigrated here. We will be keeping you in our hearts as you go through this sad time.
Nancy and Jerry
Dear Tony,Danise and the entire Ciaccia family,
We are so deeply sorry for the loss of your father. His legacy lives on beautifully through all of you and the values he passed down. I hope the many memories of his warmth, strength, and remarkable spirit bring you comfort in the days ahead. Please know you’re family is in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
With our Sympathy,
Nick and Pam Athan
Please accept our deepest sympathy and gratitude for a life well lived. Susan and Clayton Cloen
Great individual with a wonderful Family! RIP Antonio
To everyone in your family, prayers and love to your family always, love you all, Suzie/ASP
My heart goes out to the whole Ciaccia family, he was such a good man he will always be remembered me and my mother were just talking about him how he would always have such a warm smile when he would walk into my grandfathers tailor shop always checked in when he came by treated me and my little sister with such kindness. He was truly a great soul in this world and he will continue to be so.
Our Deepest Condolences on the passing of Tony.
Anna and Linda Saraceni
We are very sorry for your families loss. You will be in our thoughts and prayers
Devine Sealcoating
In loving memory of my Zio, my Godfather, my strong uncle, a remarkable man whose presence lit up our lives. He embodied the true essence of family, always reminding us of the importance of surrounding ourselves with those we trust and having a strong relationship with the Lord. His unwavering dedication to his family was a testament to his character—a man who understood that the bonds we create with our wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, and friends are the foundation of our happiness. I will cherish the time we had together and never forget the parties downstairs, pig roasts, birthday gatherings, the games we won together playing bocce on his court, dominating the table in Briscola at all hours of the night while our peaches were soaking in our glasses with his homemade red wine.
Zio also taught us the value of hard work, getting up very early, being your own Boss, being on time (always early to meetings), and the importance of higher education, being kind to people less fortunate, and surrounding ourselves with friends we trust and love. Though he may no longer be with us, his spirit lives on in the memories we hold dear and in the lessons he imparted. Let us honor his legacy by continuing to nurture the strong family ties he valued so deeply. Rest in peace, dear Zio. You will be missed more than words can express, but your love will remain with us always.
A man of great dignity.
I have only positive memories of my great uncle as someone very focused and determined. He elevated those around him to believe in the power of family and ones work.
There is a belief that when a person passes their good deeds still spread. So may we always feel the spiritual lift he created. I full heartedly believe that we can feel peoples presence when they pass and so I hope this for all his loved ones.
I also remember well and appreciate the kindness him and his family showed me.