Final Salute

Felice Antonio “Tony” Lalli, aged seventy-six, of Allen Park, passed away suddenly on February 24, 2025, due to cardiac issues. “Tony”, a devoted family man and decorated veteran, was born on October 16, 1948, in Castiglione Messer Marino, the Abruzzi region of Italy, and emigrated to the United States at the tender age of twelve. His widowed mother struggled to make ends meet and wanted a better life for her young son. His Aunt Elda & Uncle Felice Lalli, already had two daughters, Nicia and Dorothy, adopted and raised Tony as their son in the United States of America.

Tony’s early life in Italy laid the foundation for his passion and zest for life. Upon arriving in America, he embraced his new home with open arms. Tony quickly adapted, was a quick learner in school and excelled in his studies. A proud alumnus of Canon McMillan High School in Canonsburg Pennsylvania, Tony went on to become a professional carpenter and cabinet maker, a skill that would serve him well throughout his life. He was a beacon of strength and joy, touching the lives of many with his selfless service and spirited character.

His calling to serve others was evident when he declined a full scholarship to Westinghouse, for tool and dye, and chose to enlist in the US Navy and qualified to serve in the Seabees Construction Battalion 121. As a decorated veteran, Tony honorably served his country in Vietnam from 1968 to 1970 and was part of the critical rescue and recovery mission following Hurricane Camille. Upon his honorable discharge from his military service, Tony relocated to Allen Park Michigan to be near Nicia and Dorothy where they resided in their adulthood. Tony then met and married the love of his life, Maria, a lifelong Allen Parker and began his career journey. Eventually he was hired at Ford Motor Company, where he retired as a Supervisor/Project Leader in the Skilled Trades. His dedication to his trade was matched only by his commitment to his fellow workers, serving as a member of UAW Local 245 for 44 years.

Tony’s drive to give back to his community was unparalleled. He was an active member and leader in the Allen Park community, contributing his time and efforts to numerous organizations. He was an honoree life member, Past Grand Knight, and District Deputy for the Allen Park Knights of Columbus Father Saylor Council #3774 before his passing he was the council advocate. Tony also belonged to the 4 th degree Sir Knight out of MSGR. Francis J. VanAntwerp Assembly #475 in Wyandotte and was a past president of the Kiwanis Club, and held memberships with the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Downriver for Veterans, where he voluntarily built wooden flag boxes for families of deceased veterans.

His leadership extended to the Vietnam Club and Vietnam Memorial and Beyond as Co- Chair, the Democratic Club as former Vice President, and the Allen Park Elks. Tony also played vital roles in the Downtown Development Authority, Blue Star Memorial, Meals on Wheels, and the Allen Park Street Fair. As a former Chair of the Allen Park Community Relations Committee and a board member of the Allen Park Chamber of Commerce, he was deeply involved in the city’s growth and development. Tony loved helping do security at Allen Park Jags football games.

Tony’s commitment to his faith was evident in his 53 years as an active parishioner of St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Parish, where he and Maria were united in matrimony in and served as former Vice President of the Ushers Club. He also chaired the annual Italian booth at the church festival for over 40 years where he enjoyed serving his famous Italian food. His political acumen and dedication to public service were recognized when he was elected to the Allen Park City Council as Mayor Pro Tem in 2008, later serving as Mayor during his final seven months, and reelected as Mayor Pro Tem in 2019.

He was a loving husband to Maria (Villella) Lalli for over 53 years, a proud father to daughter Renee (Lalli) Sanchez, married to Peter Sanchez, and son Joseph Anthony Lalli, married to Heather (Zugschwert) Lalli, and an adoring grandfather to Sophia Renee Lalli. Loving Uncle to Virginia (Tatangelo) Franceschelli, Paola (Tatangelo) Nozzi, Mario Tatangelo, Joseph Villella, Gina (Villella) Scherer, the late Gregory Villella, the late Robert Villella and brother to adopted sister Dorothy Jesue. Brother-in-law to Barbara Villella, married to late Franco Villella, Tony Villella, and the late Robert Villella.

Tony was preceded in death by his parents, Mrs. Giuseppina Colacillo and Mr. Mariano Lalli, his sister in Italy, Maria Lalli, his adopted parents Felice Lalli and Elda Lalli and their daughter Nicia Fedea.

Tony’s interests reflected his enthusiastic, “can do” attitude and joyful spirit; he loved golfing, bowling, singing (especially songs by Frank Sinatra) and loved to dance, often the life of the party. His love for cooking, wine making, and spending time with family and friends brought warmth and laughter to all gatherings, often wishing everyone the traditional Italian toast of “Cent’ Anni.”

Throughout his life, Tony was a pillar of strength, a beacon of joy, and a true embodiment of selflessness and was the recipient of numerous awards and accolades for his service to others. His passionate commitment to his family, country, and community leaves a legacy that will be cherished and remembered by all who have the privilege of knowing him. Tony Lalli’s memory will continue to inspire and guide us, just as his presence enriched our lives.

Visitation will take place at The Martenson Family of Funeral Homes, Allen Park Chapel, on Sunday, March 2nd, from 1:00 pm until 9:00pm. A rosary led by the Knights of Columbus will begin at 6:30pm. The service will be Monday, March 3rd, where Tony will lie in state at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church from 11:00 am until the mass begins at 11:30am. Burial will take place at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Cemetery immediately following.

Memorial contributions can be made in memory of Tony to Meals on Wheels, American Legion, Wounded Warriors or Tunnel to Towers.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Felice, please visit our floral store.