Obituary of Anthony Papoccia

STERLING- Anthony "Tony" Frank Papoccia, 59, died Sunday, April 13, 2014 in Huntsville, Arkansas, while on a golfing vacation with friends. He retired from UPS after 28 years in 2004. After his retirement, he managed and operated Moonlight Bay Marina until the present. Tony was born January 22, 1955, in Sterling, to Tony and Helen (Conklin) Papoccia. He graduated from Newman High School in 1973, and attended Elmhurst College. Tony was an avid golfer, boater, Bears, and St. Louis Cardinals fan. Survivors include two sons; Nick (Shay) Papoccia, of Lanark, and Matt (Jennifer) Papoccia, of Belvidere; Harlene Hammett, three sisters, Nancy (Gene) Hafner, Bobbi (Gary) Adams, both of Sterling, and Sue (David) Ely, of Dixon; three brothers, Mike (Mary) Papoccia, Terry (Pam) Papoccia, both of Sterling, and Mark (Noelle) Papoccia, of Mokena; and six grandchildren that he cherished, Cora, Cecilia, Brooklyn, Molly, Oliver, and James Papoccia. He was preceded in death by his parents, Tony and Helen; paternal grandparents, Peter and Cecelia Papoccia; maternal grandmother, Nellie Conklin; and great grandparents, Ed and Dora Sheehan. Visitation will be held from 4 PM to 8 PM, Tuesday, April 15, 2014, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sterling. Visitation will also be Wednesday before the Funeral from 10 AM to 11AM. Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM, Wednesday, April 16, 2014, with Reverend James Keenan, Pastor of St. Mary's, officiating. Burial will be following the funeral service at Oak Knoll Cemetery, Sterling. A memorial has been established. Condolences may be sent to schillingfuneralhome.com