Anthony M. Rascati's Obituary
Anthony M. Rascati passed away on December 18, 2022, at the age of 89 following a brief illness. “Tony” as he was known to many was born August 16, 1933, in McKeesport, PA. He graduated from Clairton High School and received a BS degree in Biology and Chemistry from Tufts University in Medford, MA in 1955. From there he enrolled in Massachusetts College of Optometry in Cambridge, MA. It was there while pursuing his studies that he met the love of his life Katherine (Kay). The two married in 1956 while Tony was still in Optometry school. After graduation in 1958, Tony and his family moved to Clairton, PA where he opened his first practice of Optometry. He sold his practice in 1965 and moved his family to Florida, opening a practice in Boynton Beach.
During his years in Boynton Beach, Tony was very active in his church and held offices in The Knights of Columbus, The Lion’s Club, Palm Beach Optometric Association, and the Boynton Beach Chamber of Commerce. He enjoyed playing golf in his spare time.
Tony sold his practice in 1981 and moved his family to Temple Terrace, FL. where he embarked on a teaching career. He taught in the Opticianry Dispensing Technology program at Hillsborough Community College for one year and then the Optometric Assistant’s program at Erwin Vocational Center until his retirement in 1999. Following retirement, Tony and Kay moved to Spring Hill, FL. where Tony an avid golfer played weekly on several golf leagues. . In February 2021, Tony and Kay sold their home and moved to Gainesville to live with their daughter Karen.
While Tony was an avid golfer and football fan, his greatest joy was his family. He was a loving and caring husband, father, brother, and grandfather and great-grandfather.
Tony is survived by his wife Kay, his brother Ronald Rascati, his children Michael Rascati (Debbie), Lisa Heinz (Tom), Karen Erickson (John), and Maria Guy (Doug); nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Ernest and Elizabeth Rascati and his brother Ernest Rascati.
Tony was a devoted Catholic, a man of great faith, who began and ended every day in prayer.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, December 27, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Queen of Peace Catholic Church 10900 SW 24th Ave, Gainesville. with Fr. Alberto Esposito as celebrant. Burial will follow at Forest Meadows Central.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to service beginning at 10:00 am in the Chapel.
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