Anthony A. Truglia

Anthony A. Truglia, 94, of Stamford, Connecticut, passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of September 28, 2026.

Anthony was born in Stamford on April 22, 1932, to Joseph Truglia and Theresa Adipietro. He graduated from Stamford High School in 1950 and went on to serve his country in the United States Army, stationed in Alaska during the Korean War.

Upon returning home, Anthony married the love of his life, his beautiful wife, Delia. Together, they built a wonderful life and raised three sons, Anthony, Joseph, and Dennis. They were blessed with four grandchildren, Robert, Jaclyn, Olivia, and Natalie, who brought Tony immense pride and joy.

In 1962, Tony and his fellow “tin knocker” and friend, Mike Macri, started Aldo Metal Works. After working together at Aldo for five years, Tony and Mike went on to work for the City of Stamford. Tony became a Stamford Building Official, a position he held with pride for 30 years until his retirement in 1996.

In 1977, while continuing his career with the City of Stamford, Tony opened Delia’s Deli, a family-owned corner delicatessen.

Tony’s greatest joy, however, was his family. He cherished Delia and his sons and especially loved watching them play sports. He was instrumental in rebuilding the Stamford Little Federal League field at West Beach and rarely, if ever, missed a game. Whether he was there to cheer for one of his own children or one of the many neighborhood kids who grew up on the Eastside, you could always count on seeing Tony around the field, with Delia keeping score.

Tony was a man who was always there to lend a hand. If you needed something done, you could depend on Tony to get it done. He might make you do it three times, but when it was finished, it was finished right. That was Tony, dependable, hardworking, particular and always willing to help.

A devout Catholic, Tony was a beloved member of the St. Mary’s community. He helped with the restoration of the church, worked at the church fair, and sang in the choir for many years. His faith was an important part of his life, but so was the community and the people who became like family to him.

Tony and Delia opened their home and their hearts to everyone. They hosted every holiday and countless cookouts, always making sure that whoever walked through their door felt at home. Family, friends, neighborhood kids, sports teams, everyone was welcome at their table. And with the invitation to eat came the possibility that you might also receive some advice from Tony, advice that somehow, more often than not, turned out to be right.

In 1983, Tony beamed with pride when his three sons started their own HVAC company, ADJ of Stamford. Through hard work, dedication, and integrity, his sons built a successful business that has continued for more than 40 years. Although Tony never officially worked at ADJ, he was its unofficial Managing Director. Everyone knew to be on their toes when Tony walked into the shop—and they also knew that his presence came from a place of love and pride in what his sons had built.

Tony and Delia enjoyed their retirement years together, spending winters in Boca Raton surrounded by friends and family. They traveled extensively and made the most of their life together until Delia’s passing in 2017.

Tony was also one of the oldest members of the Minturnese Club, where he enjoyed the company of good friends and looked forward to their Wednesday night dinners. He could always be counted on to complain that there was far too much food, while somehow managing to eat it all.

The family would like to extend a very special thank you to Tony’s caretaker, Jill Mailhot, for her extraordinary kindness, compassion, and dedication to his care. Jill treated Tony as though he were her own father, and he cherished the many hours they spent together driving around, talking, and reminiscing about his younger days and the “old gang.” Her love and care meant more to the family than words can express. 

The family would also like to express their gratitude to Maryanne Santora, Anthony’s friend and companion in his later years.

As we say goodbye to our beloved father, we ask that you remember Tony as we will: the patriarch of our family, our mentor, our handyman, our protector, and the most loyal friend anyone could ever ask for. He lived a beautiful and full life, surrounded by family, friends, faith, laughter, hard work, and love. His greatest legacy is the family he built and the countless lives he touched along the way.

Dad, we will love you and cherish you always. This is not goodbye. It is simply, “We’ll see you later.”

We love you.

Anthony is survived by his sons, Anthony J. Truglia (Anna), Joseph Truglia, and Dennis Truglia (Alane); his grandchildren, Robert, Jaclyn, Olivia, and Natalie, and Natalie’s husband, Joe Penna. He is also survived by his brother Joseph Truglia, sisters in law, Jean Lampros and Carol Romaniello, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Anthony was predeceased by his beloved wife, Delia Ricciardi; his sisters, Claudia Toscano (Joe), Dolly Dastoli (Mike), and Rose Santorella (Frank); his brothers-in-law, Mario Ricciardi, Joseph Ricciardi, and Lucien Romaniello; his cousin, Senator Anthony Truglia; and his beloved niece, Patty Santorella.

Family and friends may call at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home, 104 Myrtle Avenue, in Stamford on Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. The interment will follow mass at St. John’s Roman Catholic Cemetery in Darien, Connecticut.

To leave an online message of condolence you may visit the family guestbook hosted on www.cognetta.com.