Donations may be made in his memory to either of these charities: St. Baldrick's Foundation to fight children's cancer. Address: 1333 South Mayflower Avenue, Suite 400 Monrovia, CA 91016 USA (888) 899‑2253 ·email: sbinfo@stbaldricks.org Website: https://www.stbaldricks.org/memorial/410 and Holy Name of Jesus - Food Pantry Address: 690 Woodbury Rd, Woodbury, NY 11797 Phone: (516) 921-2334

On January 1st, our beloved husband and father was called home. He was a two-time cancer survivor but lost this brief battle with cancer. Attilio was born on May 23, 1952 to Rocco and Rosa Femia. The youngest of 7 children, he was treasured by his siblings Vincenzo (Caterina), Emilia (Tonino), Francesco (Tita), Savino (Teresina), Giuseppe (Anna) and Gino (Rosalba). Attilio came to America from Reggio Calabria at 18 years old and his oldest brother, Vincenzo, took him under his wing. Attilio came to this country with $50 in his pocket and after the cab ride from JFK, was left with $.50 to build his new life. He was extremely modest, but proud of all his accomplishments, especially becoming an American Citizen. Attilio was a talented chef for 40 years where his masterpieces could wow any pallet. It was in the restaurant that he met the love of his life: his wife, Lina. They were married for almost 50 beautiful years and built an incredible family together. They raised their three accomplished daughters: Rose, Angelica, and Emilia and their “sons” Vinny and Michael, who were never referred to as in-laws. While they raised their own girls, they became extended parents to so many of their nieces and nephews and their children’s friends. Their home was always filled with love and they had an open door policy at any hour. You knew that any time you showed up, announced or unannounced, there would be a seat at the table, a plate and a glass of cognac ready for you. Attilio was loved by all and was always willing to help or offer advice. He was loved by sister-in-law Ana (John) and brothers-in-law Angelo and Alfonso (Emana) as well as Uncle, Great Uncle and Great-Great Uncle to over 50 nieces and nephews. Although he loved them each individually, there are far too many to list by name.

Attilio loved his family above all things. He was a simple man of very few words, but when he spoke it was profound, and you always listened. You would find him every day with a smile on his face and not a care in the world. Although Attilio loved his girls, nothing brought him more joy than the birth of his first grandson, Vincenzo, and his 5 amazing grandchildren to follow: Alessandra, Joey, Domenico, Gabriella and Mikey. They were his world. You would find them right next to him in the garden as he cooked, listening to his Italian music or playing games on his IPad. You will hear all of them say that their Nonno was their best buddy and he had a very special bond with each of them. He will always be remembered for his beautiful saying, “e meglio ricco di sangue che di soldi,” which translates to: “It is better to be rich in blood than in money.” In Attilio’s final days, he was at home, surrounded by love and family, which were the only two things that he ever cared about in this world.